Technical 302 AC Compressor Bracket

hi all, i'd like to add air to a 65 ranchero with a 302 and put a sanden style compressor low on the p***enger side because it's the one place where there's still a little space. i've done some searching and no one seems to offer a mounting bracket for one in this location and it looks like i'll have to try and fabricate something. before i get all wrapped around the axle is it possible there's one available off the shelf and i just haven't looked in the right place? has anyone here mounted one in this location?

 

do you mean, where the alternator usually sits?

 

hi jim, i'd like to put it below the alternator. it'd be about the level of the oil pan flange.

 

I believe the bronco came with the air on the left above the power steering pump if that will work for you.

 

You have a couple of potential attach points for a bracket...the alternator mount threaded hole in the head and the motor mount bosses...between the two attach points, front and rear, it should be possible to fabricate a mount.
I know, easier said than done...but it's a start.

Ray

 

Allen Groves makes 2 different brackets for ether side of the engine although they both mount high on the engine.

http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/Small_Block_Ford.htm

I used one on our wagon. HRP

 

Do you have room to mount the a/c compressor above the alternator? I mounted a Sanden compressor on a 302 in my 51 Ford F1. I used the original alternator bracket and an Alan Grove compressor bracket part # 105R. I can send a photo tomorrow if you think that setup might work.

Primetime 45


Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.

 

I've never seen any bracket, factory or aftermarket with that location. You might want to look at late '80s/90s Ford trucks/Broncos. These used a cast aluminum bracket for the alternator and the smog air pump. Subs***ute the compressor for the air pump and that may be close.... Some mods required....

 

there is one aftermarket one, but it's not quite trad

https://marchperformance.com/ford-289-302-351w-ultra.html

 

thanks to all for the thoughtful replies. while the little truck is lightly modified i'm trying to keep the look more or less traditional, the way it could have been in '65. the 302 is dressed to look like a 289 so i'd like to make the modern compressor a little harder to see right away. maybe route the hoses through the fender well.
ray, you're right there should be adequate attachment points. on this block there's also a spot tapped for 3/8" right behind the TC cover about even with the bottom two cover bolts.
jim, somehow i missed that. but you're right, it's a little to bling for this application and with march way out of my budget.
fabrication shouldn't be a big deal. it's just that i often find myself reinventing the wheel only to later discover someone had already done that.
hotrodprimer, that's a good lookin' install, who's system did you use?
thanks again

 

To keep it looking traditional, you could use a high mount bracket, then cover the compressor with a cardboard box.

 

...or get an old York compressor, and install everything, and have it not work. That seemed to be the case with most AC systems I encountered in the older days!

 

Again, I'd suggest looking at the '80s/90s Ford truck brackets. At the very least, these will give you an idea of how to attach any home-brewed brackets and just how rigid they need to be. Any flex in the mount and you'll have squealing belts and probably a broken mount before long...

 

lots of support....take heed

 

This is a original bracket on ebay for a mid 60's Mustang/Falcon but as Jim pointed out back then they used the York compressors. HRP

https://www.ebay.com/i/232222742529?chn=ps