Topic: Correct A/C compressor for my 76
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I have been trying to get a rebuilt R4 compressor for my vette. It has a 5-3/4" pulley on it. Both R4's the guys at the part store have brought in have a 5" pulley
. So what is correct the 5" or 5-3/4" pulley? I converted to a cycling system so I like the idea of the 5-3/4 to try and prevent the belt chirp when the compressor kicks on.
. So what is correct the 5" or 5-3/4" pulley? I converted to a cycling system so I like the idea of the 5-3/4 to try and prevent the belt chirp when the compressor kicks on.
Thanks
Glen
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Change/swap the pulley...unless your's is messed up, that is. It's not that complicated, but it's not exactly a quick swap, either. It involves removing the clutch assembly first, then a snap ring, and then pulling the pulley off with either a puller, or a block of wood and a hammer.
Getting the clutch off and re-installed does take special tools, and the clearance on the clutch must be set properly, as far as measuring the clearance between the clutch and the pulley.
Most decent parts houses have the tools to do the clutch...might be worth it to ask.
I'm not sure if the stuff I have for the A6 compressor will work(on the R4) off-hand, but you're welcome to borrow it if you can't find the tools locally.
Getting the clutch off and re-installed does take special tools, and the clearance on the clutch must be set properly, as far as measuring the clearance between the clutch and the pulley.
Most decent parts houses have the tools to do the clutch...might be worth it to ask.
I'm not sure if the stuff I have for the A6 compressor will work(on the R4) off-hand, but you're welcome to borrow it if you can't find the tools locally.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
If you want Glen, I'll look into it tomorrow when I get to work. I'm in the business
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
[QUOTE=my7T1]
If you want Glen, I'll look into it tomorrow when I get to work. I'm in the business
[/QUOTE]Thanks for the help!
http://www.transpro.com/catalog?searcher%5Byear%5D=1976&searcher%5Bmake%5D=CHEVROLET&searcher%5Bmodel%5D=CORVETTE&searcher%5Bengines%5D=1041040%2C1041051&searcher%5Bpart_type%5D=CompressorClutchCombination&search_vehicles=SEARCH
Hi Glen. Here's a link to the compressors I sell. As you can see the original is an A6 not an R4. Unless you've modified yours that's the one it calls for. Comes with either 5" or 5 3/4 pulley. If you find a number I can check on price and availability. Or you can search the site for the right R4. Hope this helps, "T"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The '76 could have either type compressor...that's the year they changed, so it depends on when the car was built which system it had installed....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Very good O-Master of the mechanic world. Here's the options for 77, which prolly means a midyear change over.
http://www.transpro.com/catalog?searcher%5Byear%5D=1977&searcher%5Bmake%5D=CHEVROLET&searcher%5Bmodel%5D=CORVETTE&searcher%5Bengines%5D=&searcher%5Bpart_type%5D=CompressorClutchCombination&search_vehicles=SEARCH
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
So your showing the same thing the parts house is showing, the 5" pulley. Guess some one changed it along the way. They are bringing in 2 which will be their in the morning. Thanks for the help guys.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Well after 5 tries the parts house got a match almost. It's close enough to work. The only difference is the threads are metric. So it just required changing a coupe of bolts out. So it is now in, oil added and now just needs to be recharged.
Lifetime MemberMundelein, IL - USA
Joined: 6/9/2008
Posts: 411
Vette(s): 1978 25 anniversary blue on blue with T-tops.
What type of oil do you add? Where are you getting it from?I have a need to replace my compressor, condensor, and drier. I was told once what the oil was but forgot. Thanks,
Will
Lifetime Member #150
Recent Modifications 
"Drive it like you stole it"
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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