Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hello Again! My note above needs tweaking. I would really like to hear from any and all '66 w/AC Corvette owners! But I am very interested in compiling data from Oct, Nov and Dec '65 built 1966 Vettes with C-60. And I'm hoping this thread will keep morphing along into interesting questions and topics about AC in our beloved Midyears.

So ANY Midyear owners with AC please chime in too and tell us all about those trials and tribulations that deal with C-60!

Brother Mike
'65 L-79 convertible w/TI
'66 L-36 convertible w/AC

[Michael J.]

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

Thanks, this is the first C2 I have had with A/C. Here is a picture of her, the original owner checked every box on the order sheet to get all options, but was frustrated that he couldn't get the L72, with accompanying F41 suspension, and A/C, so he settled for the L36 and regular suspension.

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hey Ric,

That's just the info I'm looking for. I can now add to my compilation of data I've researched on late '65 compressors. I'm no expert either on A6 AC compressors, but I've read a lot about them and I own 12 now. Most are in very good shape with a nice progression of dates and design changes through the years.

Anyone on this thread please chime in about Ric's compressor. From what I've seen and heard from Ric it sure appears to me to be a correct compressor and most probably that it's his original. I wish his compressor label wasn't missing the date code. That would be great to see! But it does show the correct Model #6550113 on the label. He states that the clutch end has the correct six small holes and that the end plate has the correct casting #6555032 with a correct date code of J 6 5 (October 6th 1965).

Now for some TDB file photos that our friend Wayne Midkiff was nice enough to post a while back!


Ric, the compressor on the left in both shots is the kind you have on your car. Six small holes and the smooth case it should have. I hope these shots work. Looking kinda small. I'll send and edit if need be.

So, good news as far as I can see. Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hi Michael,

Has this car been in Magazine articles? I may have read about her in old Vette or Corvette fever magazines. Or maybe even an old Vette Views!

Really nice Corvette!!
Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

OK Ric,

Here's another shot of swaged and non-swaged cases. The red arrow points to the later type case swage.
Mike

[Michael J.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Thank you!. No articles that I know of, it had resided in California with the same owner since 1981 until I acquired it early this year, and he never mentioned any.

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

A very historic Midyear for sure!

Mike

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Evening Mike......Yes the case on my 66 is the non swaged case. Are you saying the swaged case is a later type a6. I have a swaged case on my 64 so that would appear to be incorrect? Will start looking for the correct a6. I would think that the 66 case is original from what you are showing me,never thought much about it before. Michael J lovely car with unusual options, would like to point out that I believe the knock off wheels are on the wrong side not trying to be a smart a** just a safety concern,not 100% sure would like others to look for sure.
Ric

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

OK Ric,

One more question. To the left of the end plate (where the casting info is) there's a vent protruding out about 1-1/4 inch. The earlier ones had 440# stamped in them. There is a slotted vent type and one with a center hole vent. Which one of these 3
examples do you have on that J 6 5 compressor? Very interested to know. Mike



Left - Early '65 Center - '67 Right - '76

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Didn't post the way I wanted. So the top one is for an early '65, the middle is for a '67 and the bottom one is for a '76.

Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Hi Ric, Like I said, I'm not an expert, but everything you've told me leads me to feel there's strong evidence that your '66's compressor is original. As for your '64, it should have a smooth case as far as I know. Research it further on the TDB before you make any decisions for changes etc. Hey, if it's working good and you're not judging the car, I'd leave it be.

Very happy for your '66 compressor info. I wish I had my original, but Bubbuh tossed it long ago back in '76.

Is your '64 an early car? Mike

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

The slotted 440 Ric
Ric

[Mike B.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Thanks Ric! That's what I thought it would have. Now I have a great example of how to "build" a correct replacement compressor for my late November-early December car. Our cars are only a week or so apart from their birthdays. I kinda figured my car would have an October casting date or a very early November date. That's what I'll shoot for.

Thanks Ric for the info!

[Richard S.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Mike... my 64 has a vin that would indicate final assembly the last day of April/64. It has some very unusual options. Guess that about wraps up my info on the 66 hope others can assist with your search for data. If I can help with anything else let me know as I find these AC cars interesting.
Ric

[Domenic T.]

Re: Earlier '66 AC Compressor Questions

Mike,
Sorry, I didn't answer this question about how close to the November build date a compressor might be. That I 22 5 would fit the bill in my opinion. Lots of things happened toward the end of model years, especially components. I have seen the back plate castings a few Months before car build dates. If it were my car I would use the I 22 5. The Oct-Nov would be nice but my best guess was that the vendors kept on building while the factories were tooling up for the next year. Do yourself a favor and use the one you have. I'm not a judge but I would not deduct for that date. You can always fit a foil date to bridge the gap.

Dom