AC Compressor hoses connector bolt

[70inline6]

I'm reconstructing the missing AC system for the 83. I got my parts on order but one thing I'm missing is the bolt that connects the dryer and evap lines to the back of the compressor.

Being as there aren't any square body trucks in the parts yards here locally, anyone replaced/disconnected/re-connected these lines recently that can tell me if it's a special bolt or one I can pick up at Home Depot?

Thank you

[kwmech]

Nothing special, but there is a chance it may be metric

[70inline6]

As luck would have it, the new compressor came with one.

Thanks for your reply just the same.

[Getter-Done]

Great news

So for the Forum (thread) research.

Was the bolt metric ?

How long was it?

This will add info to the forum

And this will help the next Gearhead

[70inline6]

You can see it has 8.8 cast into the head. It takes a 5/8" socket to loosen/tighten it so.... I dunno. I was going to remove it to get some measurements, but it is under pressure (prefilled with some oil) and I didn't want to risk moisture contamination today. It may be a couple weeks before I get to installing it. I'll update when I do.

[Getter-Done]

In the 80's they made some bolts with metric threads and a Standard wrench size hex.
They done this because of the production line process.
And also the vendors that parts came from played a role in this.

I just found this to be true on my 208-transfer case I am working on.
In the reverse order /metric head with standard threads.
Metric socket and 3/8-16 TPI threads.

Working at a Automotive plant for years I learned a lot about this.

They have to set up each job station in the assembly line
So the technician works efficiently.
So in the 80's the engine components were standard and under hood stuff was metric.

The technician would use one air gun too shoot 20 bolts in a minutes time.

[HOTFUN]

Just did one on my 73 GMC. Replaced factory A6 compressor with a Pro6Ten. Your bolt is only long enough to hold the seal plate on and you will have to add for the line block. The AC bolt I just bought for mine was a 10mm x 1.50mm x 45mm long. That's using a washer head metric bolt if you are using a no flange metric bolt take into consideration for a washer or lock washer thickness. I use my digital caliper to measure the thread hole depth and round it down to the next shorter bolt length(generally 5mm increments) to get maximum threads in that aluminum bore. Also note all your mounting bolts will be metric also in case your original need updated.

[70inline6]

Great info. Thank you!