'66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

[Mike B.]

Hey All!

I was wondering if the midyear parts gurus could help me out on this one.

I recently noticed that the '67 AIM shows a different part # vs. '66 for the 427 AC compressor brace rod that connects to the compressor and arches over the right valve cover to the U-shaped bracket bolted to the intake.

Listed in the '66 AIM, C-60, sheet C3, part #18 is listed as: 3887168 but in the '67 AIM, same sheet and part # it's listed as: 3894366.

Can anyone tell me the difference (if any) between them? I know there's a definite difference between the '66 and '67 two lower compressor mount cast brackets. I suspect there's a difference for this rod also.

Merry Christmas,
Mike '65, '66

[Domenic T.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Mike,
I don't the part #s but LICorvette lists the same rod for 66&67. I bought one a few Mos ago for my 67.

DOM

[Wayne M.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

... I recently noticed that the '67 AIM shows a different part # vs. '66 for the 427 AC compressor brace rod that connects to the compressor and arches over the right valve cover to the U-shaped bracket bolted to the intake.

Listed in the '66 AIM, C-60, sheet C3, part #18 is listed as: 3887168 but in the '67 AIM, same sheet and part # it's listed as: 3894366 ...

Mike -- I can't tell you the difference but it must have been real, 'cause the '67 P&A30 (Oct '66) lists each number for the respective year; same up to (at least) Jan '70 (my newest parts book); so it wasn't a case of one design replacing another. I see that Noland's Vol 2 has the GM dwg. of the '66 brace #3887168 (page 337) and photos on the next page. No mention of a different brace in his '67 section.

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Dom and Wayne,

Hi guys. Good to hear from you.

Dom,
Yes I bought a '66~'67 repro brace rod from Paragon. One of the nicer repops I've bought. It even has the "MW" (Mid Western?) stamp on it like original headlight support rods have. I haven't found a real one yet to put on the '66. So it'll have to do. Still interested in that end plate if you haven't rebuilt the compressor yet. Enjoy your resto.

Wayne,
How cold is it up your way?? Yeah, I was just looking at Nolan's book when you posted. The GM drawing is close to the repro I have, but the diameter shown there is .300 +/- 00. This repro is just shy of half an inch. I know it's almost criminal to compare repro to anything, but it's all I've got to go on so far. The '66/'67 photos in Adams and Dobbins books look the same as this repro.

Anyone out there got a '66 original? Please tell me some rough dimensions so I can hunt a real one down.

Thanks for your responses and Merry Christmas!
Mike

[Domenic T.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Mike,
I knew there was something I needed to do, I will get in touch about the back plate.

DOM

[Richard M.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Mike,
I have an original 66' 427 brace rod, I will try to get the measurements for you, it may be a few days because of the holiday.
Seasons Greetings,

Richard

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the response. Looking forward to your measurements of that original '66 brace rod!

Merry Christmas,
Mike

[Richard M.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Mike,
I measured my compressor brace rod today, here are the measurements, Dia. at the mid point is 0.5050, width of flat is 0.2080, bolt
hole is 0.4000 dia. adjustment end slot is 1.6545 inches long, width of slot is 0.4300. Overall length is approx. 8 7/16 inches. There is also a W or M stamped into middle of the rod.

Hope this helps!

Richard

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Hey Richard,

Thanks for getting back to me with your measurements. I just copied them and now its off to the shop to compare measurements. From what you've posted, the repro may be real close. I'll use it till I find a real one.

Thanks again,
Happy New Year!
Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

Hi Richard,

I checked the repro support rod earlier today against the measurements you provided from your original. The repro slot is longer. It's 2 inches from end to end. The overall rod length is longer than your original also.

The hunt continues. Thanks for the information.

Happy New Year Everyone,
Mike

[Richard M.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

I wonder how that repo part compares to an original 67' part?

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 only 427 AC Compressor Brace Rod?

I was wondering the exact same thing. '67~'74 repro part?