AC Condenser and Cross Braces - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**The Rocknrod** · 05-23-2018, 02:35 PM

I know there have been many AC installs in the past but I can't find any mention of the need to remove the cross-brace in front of the radiator to install the AC condenser. I saw a dealer install instructions that do it in the FAQ section but no other: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559436
Does anyone have any reference or experienced issues?

**aerotruk63** · 05-23-2018, 03:46 PM

I believe the x braces are still in the 63 A/C truck I just bought.

**The Rocknrod** · 05-23-2018, 04:34 PM

Thank you aerotruk63, I guess what I'm I'm asking is - If you put an AC system in, did you have to remove the cross braces?

**aerotruk63** · 05-23-2018, 08:26 PM

The braces would not allow access to the rad support with the thick condensor. Once the condensor is in place you can put the cross braces back. Not much space between the x brace and condensor afterwards.

jhrusk · 05-24-2018, 08:36 PM

I will have to double check but I think the x brace on a factory ac rad support is a little different than a standard no ac truck so it would give it a little more room. Also I think it was put in with rivets as well. This was on a 1966 c20. When I took the ac system out I kept the x brace because of this

**aerotruk63** · 05-24-2018, 08:56 PM

All X braces came riveted from the factory. Once the condenser is installed their bolted back in with what looks like a spacer.

**The Rocknrod** · 05-24-2018, 09:43 PM

Do I even need it once everything is installed and tightened up?

Railroader · 05-24-2018, 10:29 PM

I installed a Vintage Air unit in my 63 step side. I didn't remove cross braces. Clearance is close but it fit. I didn't remove the grill either as truck had just been painted and I didn't want to "bugger" up the bolts. Suggest hooking up wire leads before putting installing the condenser.

**aotte1** · 05-24-2018, 11:12 PM

Just a little summary, not trying to be .......
On non factory A/C trucks cross braces are riveted to core support top and bottom, as stated above.
On factory installed A/C trucks, cross braces are riveted on bottom and bolted on the top.
As stated above, when the dealer installed the A/C unit, the factory rivets where removed and bolts with spacers where put back, as shown in figure 1 above.
Also the cross braces on factory installed A/C trucks where different design, along with other core support differences.
Photos show the cross brace on factory installed A/C trucks.

Also, for me I would keep the cross braces, protects the radiator and core support from stress, stiffens the whole front clip.

Les

**aerotruk63** · 05-25-2018, 05:53 AM

Factory applications were only 65-66 . 63 below were only dealer installed.

LT1 Burb · 05-25-2018, 09:00 AM

The factory air cross braces were riveted at bottom and bolted at top. The also were bent to allow for condensor as shown above. I do have an extra brace stamped for air if you are interested.

**The Rocknrod** · 05-25-2018, 09:46 AM

Okay looks like I have the information I need. I can make stand-off spacers if I need to.
The plan is to also put a trans cooler in the front so I'm looking for space. Thank you guys for the information.

jhrusk · 05-25-2018, 09:04 PM

It's up to you as well if you even use an x brace. There are pics in my build thread where I istalled vintage air and did not reinstall brace. No issues with out it.

**The Rocknrod** · 05-25-2018, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhrusk

It's up to you as well if you even use an x brace. There are pics in my build thread where I istalled vintage air and did not reinstall brace. No issues with out it.

That's what I thought. I look at many pictures on line and see many without it. I don't want to be blasphemous or anything...

05-23-2018, 02:35 PM	#1
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	AC Condenser and Cross Braces I know there have been many AC installs in the past but I can't find any mention of the need to remove the cross-brace in front of the radiator to install the AC condenser. I saw a dealer install instructions that do it in the FAQ section but no other: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559436 Does anyone have any reference or experienced issues? __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

05-23-2018, 03:46 PM	#2
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces I believe the x braces are still in the 63 A/C truck I just bought. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

05-23-2018, 04:34 PM	#3
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces Thank you aerotruk63, I guess what I'm I'm asking is - If you put an AC system in, did you have to remove the cross braces? __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

05-23-2018, 08:26 PM	#4
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces The braces would not allow access to the rad support with the thick condensor. Once the condensor is in place you can put the cross braces back. Not much space between the x brace and condensor afterwards. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

05-24-2018, 08:36 PM	#5
jhrusk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: mid ga Posts: 553	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces I will have to double check but I think the x brace on a factory ac rad support is a little different than a standard no ac truck so it would give it a little more room. Also I think it was put in with rivets as well. This was on a 1966 c20. When I took the ac system out I kept the x brace because of this __________________ check out SANFORD build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522019

05-24-2018, 08:56 PM	#6
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces All X braces came riveted from the factory. Once the condenser is installed their bolted back in with what looks like a spacer. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

05-24-2018, 09:43 PM	#7
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces Do I even need it once everything is installed and tightened up? __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

05-24-2018, 10:29 PM	#8
Railroader Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Florence Ms Posts: 117	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces I installed a Vintage Air unit in my 63 step side. I didn't remove cross braces. Clearance is close but it fit. I didn't remove the grill either as truck had just been painted and I didn't want to "bugger" up the bolts. Suggest hooking up wire leads before putting installing the condenser.

05-24-2018, 11:12 PM	#9
aotte1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: lousiville Ky Posts: 2,645	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces Just a little summary, not trying to be ....... On non factory A/C trucks cross braces are riveted to core support top and bottom, as stated above. On factory installed A/C trucks, cross braces are riveted on bottom and bolted on the top. As stated above, when the dealer installed the A/C unit, the factory rivets where removed and bolts with spacers where put back, as shown in figure 1 above. Also the cross braces on factory installed A/C trucks where different design, along with other core support differences. Photos show the cross brace on factory installed A/C trucks. Also, for me I would keep the cross braces, protects the radiator and core support from stress, stiffens the whole front clip. Les Attached Images Last edited by aotte1; 05-24-2018 at 11:50 PM.

05-25-2018, 05:53 AM	#10
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces Factory applications were only 65-66 . 63 below were only dealer installed. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

05-25-2018, 09:00 AM	#11
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces The factory air cross braces were riveted at bottom and bolted at top. The also were bent to allow for condensor as shown above. I do have an extra brace stamped for air if you are interested.

05-25-2018, 09:46 AM	#12
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces Okay looks like I have the information I need. I can make stand-off spacers if I need to. The plan is to also put a trans cooler in the front so I'm looking for space. Thank you guys for the information. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

05-25-2018, 09:04 PM	#13
jhrusk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: mid ga Posts: 553	Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces It's up to you as well if you even use an x brace. There are pics in my build thread where I istalled vintage air and did not reinstall brace. No issues with out it. __________________ check out SANFORD build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522019



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