61 Gen AC vs non-AC
 

Been thinking of adding a Vintage Air as a way of solving several heater questions. For 1961 that means having an AC generator mount that moves the generator in between the pass side valve cover and the big tri-power air cleaner. It uses a totally different mount than the non-AC. Such mounts are about unobtainable so I'm think of making my own and using the Vintage Air mount for the AC compressor. First try for the gen mount is tight on hood clearance.

My non-AC generator is 1102264 although the shop manual says 1102199. No matter, both were replaced by 1102168 and of course all are obsolete. These are the Delco frame size with 7.12 inch space between the mounting pivot ears.

The AC generator (per the shop manual) is 1102220 which was replaced by 1102123. And again both are obsolete. But I expect to use a Powermaster retro alternator as a way to keep the look as original as possible.

But can anyone confirm the AC generator is the same Delco frame size as the non-AC generator or might it be the Delco frame with 6.12 space between the mounting pivot ears. If it were (which I doubt) that might give me a another inch or so to play with in making a mount and getting more hood clearance. And of course the Powermaster would also have to be that frame size. Powermaster does list both sizes in 12V so I'm curious which size the 61 AC cars used.

I have both generators, both fit the 61 AC mount for the generator. I also bought a Powermaster and it fits perfect. The 62 generator mount is the same, but the AC mount is different, A5 vs A6. I love the Powermaster. It solved all the charging problems. I even added posts on it to look like a AC Delco along with the tag.

Picture with factory air cleaner is with A6 compressor. Picture with 3 chrome air filters is the A5 compressor. I thought the A5 was bad so I bought an A6 and found the AC mounts at Indiana Pontiacs. Just a bolt on job except for the hot gas valve. Had to do a presidential solution on that, plus fabricate a manifold. The A5 will go back on sometime. I just don't want to lose my very cold AC until I have to.
I use Duracool 12A, and love it. It's cheap, and you only use 6 oz. to replace 1 can of R12. one can = one can. I have been an AC tech for 40 years so don't bother telling me about the AC police. I also use their oil.

Thanks lilabner. I suspected the longer Delco frame was correct. But with the first mount I made it was very tight on hood clearance. Looked like the gen pulley would be rubbing the under hood insulation. Not a good idea. Time to get out the cutting tool and welder and try again.

I won't the AC cops on you.

Looking close at your first picture it looks like the gen rides about level with the pass side snorkel of the air cleaner. Would that be a fairly safe assumption? Thanks.

I will measure it tomorrow for you, but it's a safe assumption. The hood pads even have a cutout in them for the pulley.

Cut out in the insulation makes sense. Mine doesn't have that but it's a repro piece I didn't put in. I know the clearance will be tight and can't see that there is enough space for me to be very far off with the first try for the bracket. If you can get some measurements it will help. Maybe I can leave the bracket as it is.

Damn, I like the looks of your car.

I put a flat alum bar across the air cleaner. Carbs have a phenolic spacer under them I think 1/4" thick. There is about 3/4" between the bar and the pulley. Hope this helps.
The white vinyl keeps the hood pad from scratching the air cleaner. Apple photos are not friendly when it comes to displaying them.

Thanks lilabner. You the man.
That's just what I needed. I think I'm about at that point with what I have. Will have to put the home made bracket back on and look at it again. Probably next winter - don't want to take it apart now. Not that big a deal but there is not much of a hurry.