455 A/C Sanden Compressor bracket

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by LonghornSS, Oct 19, 2013.

  1. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    EDIT:
    I have edited this post for the new guys coming along that may not get to the good stuff.
    I have created a combination alternator/compressor bracket that receptacles the original alternator bracket. This new bracket will accept a new Sanden 508 compressor. these are the compressors used by Vintage air, Classic Auto Air and Resto mod air. This is a more subtle looking bracket than a full billet aluminum drive kit.

    I have also devised a way to convert the heater control panel from a 69-72 skylark to work with/control the Vintage air units.


    Hello everyone I am new to the community. However not new to all things automotive. I currently working on a project where I am converting a 72 Buick A/C car to a Vintage Air unit for it's compact size, function and ease of service. What I am looking for is a passenger side compressor/alternator mount. I have seen one built here on the site and was hoping to get some help creating another or possibly purchasing one or two.

    I am also looking for a '72 heater car control panel completed with sliders and fan control switch. These seem to be pretty elusive I have found a hand full of air conditioning controllers but have only seen 1 heater controller, but it was only a face plate.

    Thanks in advance
    -LonghornSS
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2015
    mbryson likes this.
  2. mltdwn12

    mltdwn12 Founders Club Member

    I'd certainly be interested in one as well. One day I want to add a Vintage Air System to my GS and the compressor bracket seems to be the biggest PITA!
     
  3. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Ditto that. I have a non-AC car but bought some brackets at the GS Nationals a few years back. I have both a steel and aluminum lower AC/alternator bracket. I may have a spare heater only control module in the attic. It won't be nice but it will have the lever and fan switch. What do you need it for? Trying to make the existing controls work the new AC?

    I'm very interested and will follow this, even help where I can.

    Good luck and take lots of pics if this is something you take on.
     
  4. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    Yes I will be trying to modify the original heater to control the new VA unit. The hardest part of this will be getting the compressor brackets to work. I know there as been at least one on here that has been modified to work on the passenger side. Any help figuring out the bracket would be helpful.
     
  5. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    My original plan is to use a Pro-6-Ten (link) on factory brackets. However, a clean bracket that isn't as intrusive to the engine bay would be much better.

    I have no welding or fabricating skills so I'm interested in buying one that works with the short water pump if anyone manages to figure out a good arrangement.
     
  6. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    Would a 455 bracket be the same as a 350 bracket? If so, perhaps we can approach some welder fabricator about doing a group buy?
     
  7. Buickstaged

    Buickstaged The stable - 2204 Combined HP

    Longhorn - do you have a part number for the control you are looking for? I have a couple of complete dash sets and I believe one of them is from a 72. Regards - Byron -
     
  8. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    If they aren't identical they are at least largely interchangeable. I've used them between motors, even V6 stuff works on a 455 with very little effort. I had a 75 Skylark (X-body) with a V6 that died and put a 455 in it and all I had to do was the lengthen the top alternator arm to make it all work. That was the R4 compressor but still, it shows the geometry isn't that hard to fix.
     
  9. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Guys,
    Mark Reeves @ Then & Now Restoration is a Vintage Air dealer and fab'd up an AC bracket for the Sanden compressor on my Estate Wagon. Alternator does get moved to the drivers side but it really is no issue. Great thing about it is that NOTHING has to come off the front of the motor to get to the timing cover/water pump. Slick setup.
     
  10. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Can you post a pic and do they sell it as a kit? Main caveat is I don't want to have to change my power steering pump location.
     
  11. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    Power Steering is not bothered. Like I said, really cool thing is that you can remove front of engine without removing the accessories or brackets. Here are some pics...

    photo 1.jpg photo 2.jpg photo 3.jpg
     
    68Rivi_In_Cali likes this.
  12. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    Well thanks for all the replays guys I messages Jim W. and have decided to try and recreate the brackets the way he did on another project. I will be doing this twice I will first franken bracket one using a 72 Steel Air/Alternator bracket, then my plan is to totally recreate the combo bracket. using Flat plate and steel sleeves, and a water jet cutter. I will try and keep you updated with the progress.

    Also I am looking for one of these heater controls pictured below I need one with a working blower speed switch. I found this pic online, it is upside down and the wood grain has been removed. I have not been able to track one of these Heater controls down I have found several A/C controllers though.

    1970 Buick GS Non AC Control.JPG
     
  13. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    70-72 455 Skylark Vintage Air here we go.

    Well I am on my way.
    I just got in two heater car control panels. I have disassembled one switch and cleaned up all the contacts and the housing and it is back together, the switch now has good continuity between the contact points. I also figured out the pin out locations for the fan control. Next up is to get the Cable converters to operate through their full range. That shouldn't be too difficult.
    I also have a '72 steel alternator/Compressor bracket on its way, when I get that in I should be able to recreate that bracket to accept a Sanden 508 compressor.
    wish me luck.
     
  14. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Re: 70-72 455 Skylark Vintage Air here we go.

    Wishing you luck!
     
  15. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    Hey everyone I have been a little busy but I have been able to get around to drawing up the Sanden 508/Alternator combination bracket for the 455. I have attached a rendering and will have the parts cut soon.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Eric

    Eric Founders Club Member

    Looks good to me! I'll take one of those please!...

    Eric / Oregon :3gears:
     
  17. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    Eric Let me get the two projects done here and make sure they work the way I want them to. Then we can talk sale. We have a set of stamped steel pulley we want to try as well as the Billet Aluminum pulleys. once I know they are working I will get some pictures of them mounted and have a detailed list of what pulleys and belts I am using.
     
  18. LonghornSS

    LonghornSS Well-Known Member

    Well I have got one set of brackets cut out and look like I have them pretty close there is just a little tweaking that needs to happen to make them a little better. Nothing major simple fixes that I will get right in the next set. Still have to work out the Pulley and belt configuration. I am using a Mock up compressor and alternator. I have lowered the compressor centerline than that of the stock compressor to give ample hood clearance, I have also clocked the compressor so that the A/C fitting will come out the side rather than the top. I have also made sure to keep the drain plug above the horizontal plane.
     

    Attached Files:

    Mark Demko likes this.
  19. mltdwn12

    mltdwn12 Founders Club Member

    That's looking good :TU: I'm sure I'd be one of many to buy one if you decide to make them for sale!
     
    mazzy70 likes this.
  20. Eric

    Eric Founders Club Member

    Picture # 4 looks sweet! This is a much needed piece for a few of us who are doing the Vintage Air Conversion.
    I have the complete kit ready to go on my 69 Vert...minus the bracket of course!
    Thank you for working on this!

    Eric :3gears:
     

Share This Page