1966 vs. 1967 Big Block AC Compressor Brace Rod Identification

[Mike B.]

Good Evening Guys,

Sure could use your help again in identifying the difference between a '66 big block AC compressor brace rod and one installed on a '67.

I recently came across what I suspect to be an original '66 brace rod? Possibly early '66 production? I was lucky enough to get a couple shots of this unique brace rod. Unfortunately, it got away from me before I could buy it. I was initially concerned that it may have been a repro part but after comparing a repro brace that I have I'm convinced it was genuine.

I'm asking for your help in identifying this possible '66 brace bar. Would any '66 big block AC owner please look at your brace bar and post what you find here? And any '67 owner too. This bar could be a variation used on '67s as well.

There are distinct differences between the two cast compressor brackets for '66 and '67 big blocks. There must also be a visible difference between the '66 and '67 brace bars. The '66 AIM part number is #3887168 and '67 is #3894366.

Here's the possible 1966 brace rod. It has obvious design differences on the teardrop end that attaches to the compressor "ear".




Here's 2 shots of 1967 original brace rods. The first one was previously posted by Peter Miller and the last one I purchased a while back for my collection. The compressor "ear" attach end has a more "boxy" appearance than the '66 brace has.





Sure would be great to hear from all '66 and '67 owners that feel their brace rods are originals. I'd really like to catalog all of your findings! And thank you Peter for the fine photo of your '67 original brace rod. Mike

[Peter M.]

Re: 1966 vs. 1967 Big Block AC Compressor Brace Rod Identification

Mike,
You are most welcome, I think you are going to be "the guy" when it comes to 66 427 AC set ups.
Now you just need to get that car back together.
Kind regards

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 vs. 1967 Big Block AC Compressor Brace Rod Identification

Thanks Peter,

It's been a passion of mine researching midyear air conditioning parts. I'm no expert by any means but I've amassed a large amount of data when it comes to '66-'67 big block compressor brackets, their bolts, spacers and washers. All out of necessity since all of my '66 compressor parts were gone when I bought her back in '88.

I think I've got the bolt info down pat now and I've got a good collection of various head marks. Gonna be fun selecting those cherries to put on "Baby". She's my upcoming retirement project.

Always a pleasure hearing from you Peter,
Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 vs. 1967 Big Block AC Compressor Brace Rod Identification

Good Morning Guys,

Well, I was able to purchase this suspect '66 427 AC compressor brace bar after all. It arrived yesterday. Very happy to get my hands on it!

So now I'm resurrecting this thread with hopes that fellow '66 and '67 427 AC folks will see this and post any observations that they find. As always, photos would be great. But just stating what you see is a wealth of information to me!

I'll start by posting photos of the brace bar I just got then I'll show a closeup comparison of the compressor end of this '66 brace vs. a known '67 original. Here goes.......



Now for the comparison of the rod ends that attach to the compressor "ear". The first shot is what I think is a '66 brace bar end I just purchased, AIM part#3887168 compared to a known original '67 brace bar end, AIM part #3894366. You can clearly see that the '67 bar end is boxed and beefier vs. the smooth teardrop shaped end of this ('66?) bar I just got.



There's usually a reason why GM changed part or model numbers back in the day. I suspect they weren't satisfied with the strength of the '66 brace bar #3887168 so they modified it to '67 part #3894366. I'd really appreciate ANY findings from '66 owners of their original brace bars posted here. I really want to know what an original '66 #3887168 brace bar looks like. Did I get lucky and just buy one? I know it's not a repro. And as always it's great to hear from the '67 folks too!

Thanks for reading. Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 vs. 1967 Big Block AC Compressor Brace Rod Identification

Moving it to the top with a request for my fellow '66 and '67 427 air conditioned car owners. Please look directly below and see the closeup photos of the compressor end of these two brace bars. What does it look like on your original Corvette? If you think your brace rod is original to your car, compare it to these photos. Please post your findings here. Which brace rod does yours look like? Please include the month and year your car was built. Building a large data base on AC and will include this information. I would appreciate it very much!

Thanks Guys,
Mike