Does anyone know about putting newer AC compressors in narrow-body valiants? I like the article from Gary Sands on his experience with a Vintage Air unit, but I’m going lower-buck. http://www.slantsix.org/articles/vintag ... ge_Air.htm Thanks, Gary!
I want to put AC back in my ’64 Valiant (225 /6, Pushbutton 904). The old York compressor is shot. The compressor bracket, which does not appear to be factory, uses a flat, horizontal plate to mount the compressor.
I have a worn-out ’91 Caravan with a good AC in it. The Caravan AC compressor is mounted to the 2.5L 4-cylinder on an incline (The 2.2 / 2.5 engines are Slant-4’s!). The mounting bolt holes run about 30 degrees from horizontal, perpendicular to the centerline of the compressor. To use the existing /6 bracket, I’d have to further rotate the compressor body about 60 degrees and use some kind of spacers.
Will this cause problems with the compressor function or lubrication?
I could probably have a plate welded to duplicate the 2.5L mounting angle, but that’s another step.
I plan to use the old aftermarket floor-mount evaporator/blower/control unit, the Caravan condenser and assorted hardware, and have new hoses made using as much of the ‘91 hardware as possible. I am also considering a new radiator and fan on general principle, AC or no AC.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas? Comments?

Since you have all the parts, I think it sounds like an interesting idea to pursue.

There is a maximum angle from vertical that you can mount the compressor and maintain lubrication. The instructions on the Vintage Air unit said it must be less than 90 degrees, and I would assume the factory units are the same.

Since Valiants didn't have integrated factory air in '64, you probably have a dealer installed unit with a generic bracket. With the smaller size of the modern compressor, you should be able to adapt it to the Valiant bracket with a couple of "L" shaped brackets.

The later model Slants used a smaller Sanden looking 6 piston compressor which is much smaller then the old R3, 2 piston "V" so you may want to take a trip to the junkyards to look for the factory brackets off one of those.

If it were me, I would grab a SL6 power steering bracket, make any needed mods to get the Caravan compresser to mount to it in that location, (low on the drivers side) make-up any special hoses needed and call it a day.
(Welding would be needed and if your car has power steering, go to "plan B" and hang the brackets off the waterpump mounting area like the factory did)
DD

Go find an aspen/Volare with A/C and grab the NipponDenso 6 cyl rotary unit (It'll be a good core trade in at least) and associated brackets and pulleys off of it. If you're lucky, you'll find one w/o an air pump which will have a tensioner pulley in place of the air pump which is used to tension the belt on these models. Otherwise, you may have to buy some kind of universal pulley and do a little fabrication. You may also have to modify (or omit) a few of the support brackets like the one which goes to the intake manifold.

While your at the junkyard, try to find a late 70's or early 80's Ford Fairmont or the like (and try not to puke). If you have a strong stomach and can stand being near one for a short time, see if it had those nifty little threaded suction and discharge adapters bolted to the top of its N-D compressor. Remove them and part of both hoses, this will be a big help when making the custom lines that will be required to adapt the N-D to your application.

I don't see why this mod wouldn't work just as well in a '64 with a York compressor as it would in a '70 A-body with an RV2, which I have done. Anyone know any reason it would be different?

"DW"

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!

An afterthought: I think the Sanden(?) unit in your van will bolt up to the N-D suppurt plate, you may have to re-drill a few holes at the most. I just re-read your post and realized you want to re-use this compressor.

"DW"

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!