jimmies63

Ii is becoming apparent that I am not likely going to find a 63 ac support bracket. As we assemble the car, some parts are just missing. I assume I will have to get one made.

Anyone have an referrals on where to get a steel part made?

Lou64

If you want it to look original to the car, that may cost a pretty penny. If you just want something that works, then there may be other options.

Are you a drafter? I would think if you had very specific specs, and perhaps a drawing, a good welding/machine shop could do that kind of thing. I know my dad does that kind of stuff at the welding shop he works at. Someone comes in needing something made and they give it to him because he's the best.

If they say they can do it, ask if you can pay after the job is done. That way you can inspect the part before you spend money on it.

Vette Daddy

You just need an original for a pattern. Stamped steel or cast? If it's stamped, a god craftsman can make it look original.

Vetterodder

You might look for a similar part from another Chevy. Even if it's not exact, it may be close enough to work or be modified to work. I don't know about this particular piece but many parts were shared among model lines and years.

jimmies63

What we are finding is the 63 bracket bolted to the water pump and the exhaust manifold and essentially cradled the compressor. It is a big cast piece that we do not have a template for. The 64 and later mounts were three pieces and bolted to thread holes in the heads.

I am guessing from the replies here that I will have to draft something for a machine shop to weld.

TC233

Try this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-A-...sories&vxp=mtr

oldskydog

Look for a compressor bracket from a 62 or 63 v8 full size chevy. Not exact, but it is the closest thing out there.It is stamped like the original , not cast like the 64 and later.

wonderful

I have a A/C compressor bracket from a 63 chevy impala passenger car.
This bracket is in my barn. Unfortunately I had major knee surgery on my right knee and can't go outside to look at it until April. This bracket sure looks like the bracket pictured on page 122 of the 1963-67 Corvette Restoration Manual Volume 2.

0Willcox Corvette

The part number you need was p/n 3833324. Unfortunately and as you know it has been discontinued for a very long time. I just took all my older books down to my office and the oldest one I have here is 1970 and this part is not in that book... Yikes.

I'm not positive, but isn't there some blueprints in Noland's book on the 63 ac brackets? Someone check, I don't have a copy here to do that with either.

Tomorrow if time permits, I'll cross that p/n over to the Full size book and see if it had any other applications.

Procrastination Racing

In another section, you mention 'cast'. The 1963 AC brackets are all stamped steel and unique to 1963. Unless you have a real AC car and trying to restore it, my advice is simply buy the available 1964 to 1967 cast brackets and use them. 99% of the people won't know the difference anyway.

The 1963 and back full size Chevy with air used a similar bracket, however, it is slightly different how it fits at the front. the way the brackets go someone very familiar will tell the difference. Again, 99% will never know. These can be found although not common.

The real 1963 Corvette brackets are very hard to find. There weren't many to begin with and then many have no doubt disappeared on non-original AC cars so they look like original.


If you really want one built, there is probably enough information in Noland's 1963-1967 restoration book. You just need to find a metal fabricator and you'd have to start in an industrial area and see if any machine shops or fabrication shops know of someone who works in steel plate. Ask to see similar work before you have them begin, as many will say they can built it and their idea and your idea will be a mile apart.

I'll see if I can dig up photos for you.

Procrastination Racing

AC compressor brackets

hook626

Is your car a factory air car ? what vin ? I have several Air cars ( all 1963)

How long did you have yours ?

jimmies63

Thanks for the pics and advice. I think we will just work in a 64 mount provided it will fit. There is some concern that the 64 and later bolted to the front of the heads. There are no holes in the 63 heads. The bracket mounted to the water pump and exhaust manifold.

Can anyone confirm If the 64 and later mount uses the head or water pump to mount?

toddalin

'64s don't have the bolt holes in the heads either. IIRC, mine used three brackets to mount the compressor to the intake, exhaust, and water pump.

BTW, I can have a steel bracket made for you very reasonably, but you would need to have the plans/dimensions or a piece to work from.

JohnZ

SB heads didn't have accessory mounting holes until 1969; the '64-'67 compressor mounting brackets will work fine.

Procrastination Racing

There are some differences in looks, but functionally, I think they are all the same from '64 to '76 with the old compressor. When they changed compressors, the mounts changed. So finding a functioning AC mount that will work is not as hard as it would seem.