63 fan clutch testing

[Michael G.]

I'm in the last stages or the install of vintage air on a '63. I intend to use a standard 63 air conditioning engine fan rather than going to electric fan(s). I have two fan clutches to choose from, an original and a new repro. This is not a judged car, so I'd like to test them to insure that they work properly, then choose the best one. Any suggestions as to how I should do this?

Thanks,

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Mike, I would use a the GM replacement fan clutch or repro, and I would try the factory fan first and see how it goes, if need be a fan with more blades can be added later. If you need one let me know I have a 6 blade fan that should work. the true test is really just driving the car.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Mike, Good advice from Ed.

Question, a bit off topic. I'm thinking of adding Vintage Air to my 63 convertible. It has finished its' judging life. How was the installation process and did you need any additional parts over and above what VA supplies. A PM is fine as not to hijack this thread.

Thanks

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

The install is not bad I did mine and it was my first A/C install watch the directional flow on the drier. It only goes one way and the directions don't specify. I run a Hayden 2747 heavy duty fan clutch and a 7 blade 18-1/4" fan. Sort of like the one later Chevelles used.

[Gene M.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Mike,
I have a seven blade fan on my '65 now. The clutch & fan is from old Pontiac. Seems to work ok in temps not in the 100's. The condenser does cover up the Dewitt's high performance radiator for modified engines so you need good air flow. At highway speed everything is good but sitting in traffic is NG. I have not boiled over but temp is definitely higher. Like I always say normal temperature range outside and the VA keeps ya plenty cool enough. But with the temperature in the 100's it is rough on the system.

Harry,
As you know there are a lot of changes to install VA. Need LH mounted alternator (preferably higher amp than original for best compressor operation). The heater boxes inner and outer are removed. I modified the system so I would retain my RH air duct. I also did not buy the entire VA kit. The smaller EZ clip fittings & hoses, condenser, chrome compressor are sourced elsewhere. Hose routing is thru firewall where original heater hosed were. No cutting on the car at all so IF it was ever to be returned to original it would be transparent. I did make a new harness for the 105 amp alternator move to LH side (67 SB mount) and saved the original. The VA '67 air ducts were much closer to original positioning especially on drivers side. All original '65 pieces are stowed away.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Lectric Limited offers a super nice harness to move the alternator to the drivers side and retain the original horn relay and voltage regulator positions. I had my original alternator modified to produce 70 amps and it works fine.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Michael, I have a new repro fan clutch, but I would like to test it somehow, anyway. This is a totally re-done motor and I don't want to overheat it because of an unknown, possibly Chinese, fan clutch...

Frank, I haven't gotten the wiring harness yet, but, will order it next week, thanks.

Cooling-wise, I tend to go with John Hinckley's recommendation to stay with the factory air flow stuff when possible. I am getting a new Dewitt's radiator. The 63 factory AC used a different fan than the standard FI one I have, though I believe the shroud was the same. My car was always borderline in traffic on hot days, so I think I need to go with the same fan upgrade the factory did for AC. It can't hurt.

Harry, I am only doing the chassis changes myself, the body is being totally redone elsewhere. Chassis-wise, its pretty straightforward. I added both AC and rack and pinion power steering, which meant I had to move the alternator to the driver's side and add a PS pump too. I opted for the 67 L79 belt set-up, rather than the 63 brackets, though I probably could have used that arrangement. I had to get all new pulleys, as I had deep-groove ones on my FI engine. I found used pulleys on eBay and got repro 67 brackets for the alternator and PS pump. I used the compressor and brackets that Vintage Air supplied and everything seems to fit and line up so far. I also had to change the FI oil pan to clear the steering.

Thanks,

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Here are a few pics:

Screen Shot 2016-01-02 at 5.45.24 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2016-01-02 at 5.45.47 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2016-01-02 at 5.46.11 PM.jpg

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Here are a few pics:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]67669[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]67670[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]67671[/ATTACH]

That alternator bracket setup doesn't look as beefy as what came with my Vintage Air kit for some reason.

[Gene M.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

I used the RH exhaust manifold mounting and arm from the alternator mounting for the compressor. The compressor sits lower at same level as when alternator was there. As I recall only a spacer change was required to align everything so belt alignment with pulleys was good. The 67 SB alternator mounts upper arm and lower bracket worked out as well for LH mounting alternator. I did use an internal regulator alternator but size and mounting is the same.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Frank, the brackets on my car are standard 67 alternator brackets, not the ones that Vintage supplies. The Vintage parts do look beefier.

Thanks,

[Gene M.]

Re: 63 fan clutch testing

Frank, the brackets on my car are standard 67 alternator brackets, not the ones that Vintage supplies. The Vintage parts do look beefier.

Thanks,

Mike,
If you also use the RH alternator GM mounting for the compressor it will sit lower and also be "real solid mounting". Looks cleaner too. I'm not suggesting you change it just sharing if others are looking at a VA set up.