AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Woogeroo · 07-10-2011, 08:10 PM

Howdy.

I'm just curious... for those of you that have or had added Air Conditioning to your trucks.... looking at the engine from the front of the truck... which side do you have the ac compressor on?

The reason I ask is my alternator is on the left.

Anyway, just curious....

-W

octain · 07-10-2011, 08:16 PM

Left side looking at engine.
(which actually is the right side)

**Clyde65** · 07-10-2011, 08:42 PM

most aftermarket ac folks has it set up on passenger side.

Woogeroo · 07-10-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

most aftermarket ac folks has it set up on passenger side.

Clyde65, yeah, I've noticed that on a few installs or the instructions for the various setups.

This is how my truck was when I bought it, always thought it was a little funky.

-W

markeb01 · 07-10-2011, 10:24 PM

When I added A/C I purchased a set of Alan Grove brackets and moved the alternator to the driver side allowing the compressor to mount on the passenger side. Mounting it on the driver side is going to require some inconveniently long hoses.

**Captainfab** · 07-11-2011, 01:50 AM

The original location for the A/C in the '72 and older trucks is on the passenger side with the alternator on the drivers side. Of course this is with the short water pump. In '73 when GM went to the long water pump in the trucks, the alternator went to the passenger side and the A/C on the drivers side

LT1 Burb · 07-11-2011, 10:03 AM

Mine is on the driver side.

**Clyde65** · 07-11-2011, 10:09 AM

maybe a serp belt system is in your future?

66 lwb cs · 07-11-2011, 11:28 AM

Mine is on passenger and it is a 60's era aftermarket unit installed in 1966

awbrown · 07-11-2011, 02:51 PM

looks like a newer pump on that 66 setup...

kieth · 07-11-2011, 04:32 PM

I have a 91 burb serpentine belt system and it is on the passenger side, I thought when I measured my water pump it was a long shaft but maybe I misunderstood how to measure it. Kieth

R4 compressor in place now pass side, will soon be a sanborne......
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...805843_BqZMQNP

66 lwb cs · 07-11-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awbrown

looks like a newer pump on that 66 setup...

New pump and condenser the old one's went bad so the new ones run R134

karlbenz · 05-04-2023, 08:30 PM

My serpentine setup came out of a 96. Compressor on drivers side

Arne · 05-04-2023, 08:59 PM

My '64 has an early 80s SBC with passenger-side alternator, and a custom new wiring harness for that application. So the A/C compressor will be on the driver's side.

SCOTI · 05-05-2023, 12:04 PM

Woooowee..... Dusted this one off.

forestb · 05-09-2023, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

When I added A/C I purchased a set of Alan Grove brackets and moved the alternator to the driver side allowing the compressor to mount on the passenger side. Mounting it on the driver side is going to require some inconveniently long hoses.

x2

Arne · 05-09-2023, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

Mounting it on the driver side is going to require some inconveniently long hoses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestb

x2

There are some fixes for that available now. I'll post pics of mine when I start installing it later this week.

forestb · 05-09-2023, 08:10 PM

The first photo is of my old engine and the second is of my new engine. I had to get different brackets because my new engine has Vortech heads and a vortech intake manifold. Both are from Allen Grove.

Arne · 05-19-2023, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arne

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

Mounting it on the driver side is going to require some inconveniently long hoses.

There are some fixes for that available now. I'll post pics of mine when I start installing it later this week.

Here are a couple of adapter pipes I'm using to clean up and shorten the hose runs with my driver's side compressor. I got these from Auto A/C Solutions, but both are available from Old Air as well.

This first one allows the large suction hose to run along the firewall, behind the carb. Still a medium-long hose, but much nicer routing than over the top.

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This extension pipe for the condenser inlet crosses over to the driver's side. It allows the hose from the discharge of the compressor to drop down and connect through the left side of the radiator support. This is a much shorter hose than having to run over the top and into the condenser on the right side.

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Arne · 05-22-2023, 02:00 PM

And here is the completed install. The extra pipe adapters allowed me to simplify and tidy the hose routing significantly. It turned out nicer than most left-side compressor installs that I've seen.

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**Android04** · 05-25-2023, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Woooowee..... Dusted this one off.

Thank you for making me laugh this morning.

forestb · 05-25-2023, 08:42 PM

Grrrrrr. Why are we relying too an old thread.

karlbenz · 05-25-2023, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestb

Grrrrrr. Why are we relying too an old thread.

Sorry bout that. Did a search for something and this came up. didn't notice the date

**cwcarpenter98** · 05-25-2023, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestb

Grrrrrr. Why are we relying too an old thread.

Not a problem to reply to an old thread if the reply has related information and provides meaningful input to the overall message board.

SCOTI · 05-26-2023, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Not a problem to reply to an old thread if the reply has related information and provides meaningful input to the overall message board.

x2. I like that people are utilizing the search function & finding relative information. It shows the value in these forums.
That being said, I'm amazed sometimes @ the time gap on some. Twelve years is a pretty decent stretch.

07-10-2011, 08:10 PM	#1
Woogeroo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: tool box Posts: 3,115	AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Howdy. I'm just curious... for those of you that have or had added Air Conditioning to your trucks.... looking at the engine from the front of the truck... which side do you have the ac compressor on? The reason I ask is my alternator is on the left. Anyway, just curious.... -W

07-10-2011, 08:16 PM	#2
octain Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: North Ga Posts: 46	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Left side looking at engine. (which actually is the right side) __________________ 72 C-10 04 HD Fatboy 82 Suzuki GS850 Cafe 78 GS1000 Skunk

07-10-2011, 08:42 PM	#3
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? most aftermarket ac folks has it set up on passenger side. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-10-2011, 10:24 PM	#5
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? When I added A/C I purchased a set of Alan Grove brackets and moved the alternator to the driver side allowing the compressor to mount on the passenger side. Mounting it on the driver side is going to require some inconveniently long hoses.

07-11-2011, 01:50 AM	#6
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? The original location for the A/C in the '72 and older trucks is on the passenger side with the alternator on the drivers side. Of course this is with the short water pump. In '73 when GM went to the long water pump in the trucks, the alternator went to the passenger side and the A/C on the drivers side __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

07-11-2011, 10:03 AM	#7
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Mine is on the driver side.

07-11-2011, 10:09 AM	#8
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? maybe a serp belt system is in your future? __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-11-2011, 11:28 AM	#9
66 lwb cs Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: aurora co Posts: 208	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Mine is on passenger and it is a 60's era aftermarket unit installed in 1966 __________________ 66 C20 LWB CS 327/TH400 A/C

07-11-2011, 02:51 PM	#10
awbrown Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 1,209	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? looks like a newer pump on that 66 setup...

07-11-2011, 04:32 PM	#11
kieth Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,925	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? I have a 91 burb serpentine belt system and it is on the passenger side, I thought when I measured my water pump it was a long shaft but maybe I misunderstood how to measure it. Kieth R4 compressor in place now pass side, will soon be a sanborne...... http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...805843_BqZMQNP

05-04-2023, 08:30 PM	#13
karlbenz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: kannapolis, nc Posts: 528	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? My serpentine setup came out of a 96. Compressor on drivers side __________________ 2000 c3500 utility bed 7.4l 5sp manual old body style. Cab and chassis 1964 GMC K10 383cu in/sm465/twin stick np205 1965 Chevy C60

05-04-2023, 08:59 PM	#14
Arne Registered User Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 490	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? My '64 has an early 80s SBC with passenger-side alternator, and a custom new wiring harness for that application. So the A/C compressor will be on the driver's side. __________________ . - Arne Finished Project - 1964 C10 Stepside, mild restomod ————————————

05-05-2023, 12:04 PM	#15
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,066	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Woooowee..... Dusted this one off. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-09-2023, 08:10 PM	#18
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,619	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? The first photo is of my old engine and the second is of my new engine. I had to get different brackets because my new engine has Vortech heads and a vortech intake manifold. Both are from Allen Grove. Attached Images

05-22-2023, 02:00 PM	#20
Arne Registered User Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 490	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? And here is the completed install. The extra pipe adapters allowed me to simplify and tidy the hose routing significantly. It turned out nicer than most left-side compressor installs that I've seen. __________________ . - Arne Finished Project - 1964 C10 Stepside, mild restomod ————————————



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05-25-2023, 08:42 PM	#22
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,619	Re: AC in our trucks with a SBC - which side for the compressor? Grrrrrr. Why are we relying too an old thread.

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