Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

[Mike B.]

Hello Guys,

Long time no post. I was hoping to hear from '66 AC experts/owners of cars built in November '65. When I bought "Baby" back in '88 she had her engine bay AC compressor components gutted and was being raced in Oklahoma as a modified +500 HP 2 bolt main 942 block L-36 427. Luckily, the good old boys didn't blow her original block up. I have to admit, she was a blast to drive like that way back when. Roll bar and all .

From research I figure that due to my body build date (Nov 30th, '65) would have given the car a 6550113 compressor vs. the previous 6550133. The '66 AIM shows the change to the newer model 6550113 on 9-14-65. I know there's a considerable lag of assembly line changes from what the AIM shows.

I would really appreciate any info and especially photos of compressor foil label model/date codes and compressor casting dates for any '66 AC cars built in November '65. I've attached 2 shots of the older model compressor 6550133 build date of 09 20 5 2 (Sep 20th '65 2nd shift) with a casting date of H 24 5 (Aug 24th '65). It's the only clear example I have to post.

I've always wondered the correct compressor foil label model number. Which one is it for late Nov '65? Any help would be fantastic!

Thanks guys, Mike

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hello Mike....I am no expert on c2 compressors by any means,however my Dec 7/65 compressor is a 6555302 with the foil tag 6550133 as per photo. Was unable to read date on back. Was also wondering if this was a correct unit.
Ric

[Domenic T.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Mike,
From what I see your case is correct. The foil for 66 as I have in stock reads, 6550113, not 6550133. The back plate looks good. but maybe I didn't understand your question. The 65 foil is 6550133. I would guess that in November they would use the year change foil.
Another thing to look at is your clutch hub and pulley. The correct clutch hub has 6 holed on the face instead of 3 spokes. The OD of the pulley should be just under 5 3/4".

Dom

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Made a mistake as you can see my foil tag reads 6550113 for my Dec 7/65 built car.
Ric

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Thanks Richard and Dom for your response!

Richard, it's always a pleasure chatting with '66 AC owners. Is that shot a 300 or 390 hp car? Thanks for the nice shot of your compressor. The foil label sure looks original to me. And the 6550113 jives with my research so far. I'm thinking that this would be the correct # for a late Nov '65 AC car vs. the earlier # listed in the AIM and the one pictured in this post when I started it. I've got a real knowledgeable NCRS friend who I consider an AC expert. In previous posts he suggested using non corrosive putty (playdough?) to press against the compressor end plate, then view your results in a mirror. Or maybe a flashlight and hand mirror will show you your compressor's build date. Gotta read it backwards while looking under your compressor muffler connection. Kinda tight. But it would be fun to find out your results and solve if it's original to your car.

Dom, Real good to hear from you. The shots I used above were file photos that I had as a clear example of how to read compressor casting #s and label info to help folks chime in. I spoke to you a few years back about the best compressor casting date for my car. With her Nov 30th, '65 St. Louis build date I was thinking that October or early November '65 would be a good fit? How close to the build date of the car have you seen the date code on the compressor label be? I've got several A-6 compressors and 4 that are the early non-swaged type. The closest casting date I have is I-22-5 (Sep 22nd '65?) but I'm still looking for that October compressor. I respect your expertise on A-6 compressors Dom.

I'm still wondering if it's possible to see a mix of 6550133 and 6550113 compressor models throughout November 1965. So, October, November and December '65 build date 1966 Corvette w/AC owners please chime in. I really appreciate any and all inputs!

Cheers, Mike

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Evening Mike....The shot of the compressor is from a 390 convertible. I have owned this car for 33-35 years. Always enjoy talking to other owners of AC cars. Is yours a coupe or vert? In my previous post I mentioned that my compressor is a 6555302 is that correct for a Dec/65 car? I will try the putty trick tomorrow as I could not see the date with a mirror. Ric
Ric

[Domenic T.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Mike,
Took me a while to get home but all seems to fit to me. Didn't see the front hub but if it has the 6 holes I think you have a winner. Only did a few that were close to the year end, but my best guess is that they did what they had to, foil included.

Dom

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hi Ric,

Boy, what a joy! It's not very often that I chat with '66 L-36 w/AC owners. Especially one of 342 convertible owners. Yep, Baby's a drop top too. I figured that she went down the assembly line in St. Louis Dec 1st-2nd of '65. Our cars are extremely close cousins seeing that your car is an early December car.

Yes, your compressor casting # of 6555302 is correct. But that # was used for Chevrolet cars through the 60's and 70's. I and others on the TDB can surely help you identify if it's original (or correct) to your car. I can send you numerous shots of my parts to compare to your car. My car is completely disassembled now. Looks like my retirement project to be. Here's a couple of recent shots of her in my shop.

Nice to meet you through the TDB!
Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Thanks Dom,

I'm here working in Miami away from the cars/parts. I'll look at that I-22-5 compressor I've got up in Maryland when I get back up there. I know what kind of clutch/pulley you're referring to. Thanks for your input. Still looking for that October compressor!

Cheers, Mike

[Michael J.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

I also have a '66 L36 with A/C. Not a 'vert and a later one (April) than all yours, but it is probably the only big brake tanker with A/C. Dom just completed rebuilding my compressor, and I can tell you whatever he tells you, you can take to the bank, he is the master.

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hey Michael,

Thanks for chiming in! A big brake tanker with AC!! This is too good to be true! I'm sure we'd all love to see shots of your car. As for me, I'm very interested in the AC compressor info that's stated above. I've seen Dom's posts through the years. There's nobody else that will restore my compressors but him!

Really looking forward to hearing more from you Michael!

Take care, Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hey Ric,

I just noticed something very important about your car's compressor. It's a smooth case (early) compressor that should be on your car. The later type 6555302's had crimps on the end (I can send pics later). These newer type are called "swaged" type compressors.

So, there's a good indicator that your compressor may be original/correct to your car. Looking forward to ciphering your date code!

Take care, Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hello to all!!

This post is for any engine combo AC compressor info for Oct, Nov, and Dec '65 built 1966 AC cars. Please chime in and let us all know what you've got!

Thanks so much! Mike

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hi Mike....Still unable to read the date,however I did check the clutch end and it has 6 small holes surrounding the end bolt. Looking forward to the pics regarding crimped ends. I have another 6555302 comp with a date code 1 6 A or I 6 4.

Have a good day Ric

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hi again Mike......From what we can make of the date on the comp looks like J 6 5

Ric