A/C Bracket Help

[Chevy1966]

My '76 C-25 had an engine transplant in a previous life. I was told the original 454 was replaced with a 350 from an '86 Suburban, which has been running strong for me for several years. But there was no A/C compressor when I bought the truck. So I am trying to figure out what type of compressor I should drop in and what additional brackets I will need. The attached picture shows what exists now. If it is correct that this engine was from an '86 burb, which compressor would they have used that year? Does anyone recognize this setup? Thanks!

[100%Chevy]

It uses a Gm,R-4.
This is my 82,C-30,but yours will be very close to the same.



Mike.

[Chevy1966]

Thanks for the info. R4 compressor - makes sense and they are easy to come by. If you have a chance would you mind posting some close-up pictures of the brackets? I'm trying to determine if the brackets that are still attached to my engine block are right for the R4... and what additional brackets are needed. Appreciate your help!

[Katrina/10]

The bracket on the cylinder head is correct for an R4. There are 3 more brackets that go on top of the compressor, and one that goes on the back. If you get lucky, you might find them at a u-pull it.

[100%Chevy]

Originally Posted by Chevy1966

Thanks for the info. R4 compressor - makes sense and they are easy to come by. If you have a chance would you mind posting some close-up pictures of the brackets? I'm trying to determine if the brackets that are still attached to my engine block are right for the R4... and what additional brackets are needed. Appreciate your help!

The brackets you have are correct,you just need the others to go with them.
Even the lifting ring on the front of the intake is correct as the top compressor bracket bolts to it.the long stud in the exhaust is correct too.You may need to put some more bolts in it.LOL!
I don't have any other good pics of mine at this time.I do have the right brackets,but need to dig them out form pics.
Mike.

[Chevy1966]

Thanks for the good input... hey Mike, since you don't have a belt on your compressor maybe that means you don't need A/C and you could just unbolt all of the brackets and sell them to me! LOL!!!

[100%Chevy]

Never buy a used R-4!
They barely work or last long when new.
The pics of my engine was when I bought the truck.It has changed a lot since then.I've completed the a/c system and it's working now.
I'll see what parts I have in the shop in a few minutes.
Mike.

[100%Chevy]

Here's a couple new pics of mine.

Back of the compressor-



Top of the compressor-



Loose brackets-



The 2 pieces with the long bolts are specific to your engine.There are several different types,so make sure you get these with this exact shape.

Another view-



Mike.

[Chevy1966]

Mike, your help is over and above what I ever expected. Feel like I should pay you for your consulting services! Do you have an extra bracket set that you might want to sell? If not I think I will put a "wanted to buy" post on the parts forum. As you have advised I will buy a new R-4 compressor - they are pretty reasonably priced. Based on your expertise here do you think my '76 A/C components (everything but the compressor) will work with the R-4 setup? Will the connector for the compressor clutch (original for the A-6 unit) work with the R-4 unit? Any change I need to make with the '76 version of the orifice tube? Again, thank you, thank you!!!

[100%Chevy]

Are you going to use R-12 or 134-A?
You will have some problems,but it shouldn't be much.
You'll need a line set for the R-4 pump.
And,I don't sell parts on this site,so you'll have to post a want ad.When you buy parts,make sure you get all the correct bolts and hardware for the R-4 mounts as they are mostly all metric and very specific.Getting it all from the same engine at one time is best!
Mike.

[Chevy1966]

I am planning on using R-12 unless there is some reason to go with R134. Any special orifice tube that I should use? I will be careful on matching up the correct bolts. Thanks again.

[100%Chevy]

Use the orifice that's original for the truck.
I think it's the white,with black end.
Call O'Reilley's and they can look it up for you.
Mike.

[Jeff's bowtie's]

If these will work for you I'd do $85.00 shipped for all the brackets and compressor I know you wouldn't use a used compressor but you'll most likely need a good core as a trade in let me know if your interested thanks Jeff

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Another pic this is off a 86 C/10

[Chevy1966]

My thanks to Jeff for putting together a package of Brackets and an old R4 compressor - I REALLY appreciate this along with the help from Mike. So I now have all of the bracket components as shown in the picture here - I just need to figure out how to put this jigsaw puzzle together. I think I can figure it out based on the pictures provided by my friends above. Thanks to all!!!

[100%Chevy]

Glad to see you've found all you need!
And,at a decent price too!
Now you need a large assortment of standard and metric tools to put it together.
I try to help because I don't like buying the wrong parts.
And,I've always had good luck buying parts on here.
Mike.

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Sorry but I had to take it apart to fit in the flat rate box otherwise they wanted $69.00 to ship it

[Chevy1966]

Jeff, you did a great job getting everything into that box - we sure got our money's worth out of the shipping charge!