1966 A/C compressor clutch configuration

[Robert B.]

What is the correct clutch for a '66 A/C car - the clutch assembly with six round holes, or the one with three somewhat elongated holes?
Since it's being rebuilt, might as well use the correct part. The judging guide is silent on this.

Bob

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1966 A/C compressor clutch configuration

Good question, but very little feedback from original owners (at least those with original clutches). I feel that they continued into the 1965 model year, but can't say without documentation when the 3 rectangular windows replaced the 6 holes.

here's a few pics:

[Jimmy B.]

Re: 1966 A/C compressor clutch configuration

my June 65 has the 6 round holes

Wayne, I am getting my insurance effective Friday from Heacock, come on out and we'll go cruising here in "sunny" FL!

[Robert B.]

Re: 1966 A/C compressor clutch configuration

After some additional discussions with two master judges, it seems that the clutch changed from the six hole design to the three large hole design sometime during the late '66 or early '67 model year. The clutch on a friends' very original top flight '66 is a six hole design, as is the one on my car. My car is also a very original '66 April built car - the backplate date codes are March '66. So it would appear that the six hole design was used at least through part of the '66 build.

If anyone can shed some additional light on this I would appreciate it greatly!

Bob

[Peter L.]

Re: 1966 A/C compressor clutch configuration

Wayne - GR8 photos. The discussion prompted me to take a look at the clutch configurations on some of the A6 compressors I have. As far as I can tell, the following compressors with clutches are original, so here are a few more data points:

MODEL # 5910645 CODE # 072762 on 1967 Corvette (Sept '66 Build) -- 3 elongated holes
MODEL # 5910645 CODE # 082662 NOS ----------------------------------- 3 elongated holes

MODEL #6550133 CODE # 050561 on 1966 Chevelle (June '66 Build) --- 6 round holes
MODEL #6550133 CODE # 040661 Orphan --------------------------------- 6 round holes
MODEL #6550133 CODE # 012761 Orphan --------------------------------- 6 round holes

Pete