Alt hitting valve covers: need help

[1972chevy4x4]

I have the short water pump with correct 1972 alt. brackets but have installed tall style valve covers and the alternator is hitting the valve covers and ran out of adjustment on the bracket. I have seen several trucks with an upper bracket that appears to have several more inches of adjustment but can't find one in the yards, can anyone help me?? I was told I may be able to use the upper bracket off a 67-68 style to help clear, is this right??
Tried the chrome universal at the parts stores but they are hitting the alt casing and will not work. If someone can post also a pic of the 67-68 upper next to a 69-72 upper that would also possibly help.. Thanks in advance for any info..

[GreenMystChevy]

Even though I can't help you I know what you are talking about. The universal ones don't have that bend in them to allow them to fit properly.

The only thing that I have seen was some guy took two brackets and welded them together to make on long on. It was cracked and didn't look like it ever held the way it was supposed to.

I am also interested in any responses to this question.

[400ex]

Well guys,

I had the same problem on my 71 1/2 ton. I had the taller style chrome covers and the alt. hit the corner of it when using the original size belt. I tried a one size longer belt but it was too long.

My solution was to cut two 3inch long pieces of 1/4 in. plate (I'll call them "lenghteners"). I then drilled a hole on each end of the lenghteners then same size as the bolt for the bottom of the alt.

I also created a lenghtener for the top bracket to move it out farther also.

I then bolted one end of each lenghthener to each side of the bottom alternator bracket using two separate bolts. This effectively moves the bottom of the alt. away from the engine giving more clearance.

Then the other two ends of the lenghteners will bolt up to the bottom of the alternator using the long bolt. Here you will have to find spacers to shim up any gap between the lengtheners and the alt. case.

From here, look at the alt. and tighten the sh&t out of everything.

I'll try and borrow a camera to get any pics.

BTW. It works great. Nothing has come loose yet and I managed to even get the alt. belt to run in a straighter line with the crank and water pump pulleys with my shimming expertise.

James

[gr8scott51]

check out www.alangrovecomponents.com

They have lots of bracket options. I have a long waterpump, so I was able to mount everything below the valve cover height.

good luck, Scott

[pickupman]

Are you sure the bracket is a 72. 69-71 was a little shorter with a smaller arch. 72 was to itself and was a little longer. I run the 72 on one of my trucks with the tall valve covers a do not have a problem. I do not have a camera here at the shop where I could show you the difference, but I will try to bring one tomorrow to show you.
Bill

[junkyardjohn]

I had the same problem with my 71 k5blazer. I took 2 brackets, cut one in 1/2 & welded it to a whole one. After I ground down the weld & painted it.... it looks almost stock. I don't know what your buddys problem greenmysterychevy was, cause mine came out great, & my welds ussually look like duck sh!t

[1972chevy4x4]

Thanks for all of the replys, yes I was looking at taking to and welding to make one that would fit but when I have seen about a dozen or so that would work I thought I might find one to be correct. Bill I bought this one pictured from another board member as a 1972 alt bracket and as far as I know to be from a 1972, please let me know if I am incorrect. If I am would you have a correct one for sale? Thanks again for all help. Dan

[Blue4x4]

Hey try this set up. I bought it at summit. if you need the part # just pm. me. I had the same problem....belts always squeeking...and not enough adjustment.

[Blue4x4]

pic # 2

[pickupman]

Dan, It sorta looks by the picture that is the 69-71 style. hard to be sure but the 72 has a wider arch and a longer slot for adjustment. I will try to post you some pictures of them side by side tomorrow for you. Yes I do have them for sale.
Bill

[pickupman]

Here is a picture of the 2 brackets. I do have them for $10 each and they are new.
Bill

[BLACK AND BLUE 67-72]

The one in your picture looks like mine on my 72', and also like the one in the bottom of the other picture. It's a real pain in the @$$ to get the belt on the alt. with the taller valve covers in place. I have to remove the alt. completely then put the belt on the pulley and stick the alt. back into the lower bracket then fasten the top bracket. I tried to use the one off my 67' that looks like the one in the top of the pic of the two, but it wouldn't work for me I guess because the 67's lower bracket is on stock manifolds and the 72's is bolted to the front of the block and has headers.

[Blue4x4]

I had tried several brackets but none seemed to work. The problem was the alt was at the end of it's throw and if I moved it any further out it would be rotating back towards the stearing pump, and loosining the belt.......does this make since???? If I had different valve covers it would have worked. Good luck.