Removing AC pump from a 360

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73 Duster 360

73 Duster 360

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Hey guys I'm really enjoying my new Duster and restoring all the little things it's missing. As you can guess from the title of this thread it has a 360 engine and still has the AC pump connected. The ac doesn't work and to be honest the pump is just kind of in the way when it comes to things like checking the timing. It also makes the engine compartment look and feel cramped.

I have some questions about removal.

1. Is it as simple as unbolting, disconnecting and replacing the belts? Or are there hidden risks and possible pitfalls that can make this bigger ordeal than it's worth?

2. A guy at work says that instead of messing around trying to find belts that reach properly and fit right to just get a serpentine belt for a non ac engine. Is that any easier to come by or is he full of crap?

3. Does removing the AC pump really offer any benefit with regards to horse power? Would a serpentine belt offer any such benefits?

4. Does anyone have a good source/item numbers for either belt solution?

The car is getting repainted right now (I'll post pics when it's done) so I'm just trying to keep myself occupied by making a list of things I want to do when I get her back. The wait is really difficult. Lol
 
1 AC and non AC use different alternator brackets, if you're going for a clean look, find a set of non AC alternator brackets

(On a side note, non AC alternators use a single belt, where AC alternators use 2 belts. You can run a single belt on your 2 belt pulley, but I don't like the look of it)

2 if you don't mind spending the money on a full set of pulleys, a serpentine belt setup MAY be easier to come by, but I don't think you NEED all new pulleys
In my opinion, in this case, a serpentine belt set up is a waste of funds

Remember, all you need to do is set the alternator in loose spot and run a string around the pulleys
Measure the string and ask for a belt in the same size at your local auto parts store

3 well, yes, but not really
With the AC compresser mounted, you are spinning its pulley
Technically, that takes power
In all honesty, you will see a bigger improvement by removing the weight of the compressor

I dont know if a serpentine belt would use less power then a V belt

4 see point 2 on how to figure out the belt you need
The real issue is finding the right brackets (and that can be achieved by posting a simple wanted add here)
 
Do you like to sweat? You will drive the car a lot more if you just fix the AC. Sounds kind of hot out there in California right now. Most women don't like to ride in a sweatbox. Do you do any freeway driving? The wind noise will kill you.
The R12 AC in my all original 67 Dart will freeze you out, have to run the fan on medium, or it gets to cold.
One time my buddy and I were running down I-80 in middle Nebraska in late July-he told me (Turn the damn Air down-my coffee's getting cold, I chuckled.
I cringe whenever I see a nice factory AC musclecar with all of the underhood AC stuff missing. I'm sorry-I give anybody hell that doesn't have their AC hooked up and working. To each his own.
 
diymirage said:
1 AC and non AC use different alternator brackets, if you're going for a clean look, find a set of non AC alternator brackets

(On a side note, non AC alternators use a single belt, where AC alternators use 2 belts. You can run a single belt on your 2 belt pulley, but I don't like the look of it)

2 if you don't mind spending the money on a full set of pulleys, a serpentine belt setup MAY be easier to come by, but I don't think you NEED all new pulleys
In my opinion, in this case, a serpentine belt set up is a waste of funds

Remember, all you need to do is set the alternator in loose spot and run a string around the pulleys
Measure the string and ask for a belt in the same size at your local auto parts store

3 well, yes, but not really
With the AC compresser mounted, you are spinning its pulley
Technically, that takes power
In all honesty, you will see a bigger improvement by removing the weight of the compressor

I dont know if a serpentine belt would use less power then a V belt

4 see point 2 on how to figure out the belt you need
The real issue is finding the right brackets (and that can be achieved by posting a simple wanted add here)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the info.

lemondana said:
Do you like to sweat? You will drive the car a lot more if you just fix the AC. Sounds kind of hot out there in California right now. Most women don't like to ride in a sweatbox. Do you do any freeway driving? The wind noise will kill you.
The R12 AC in my all original 67 Dart will freeze you out, have to run the fan on medium, or it gets to cold.
One time my buddy and I were running down I-80 in middle Nebraska in late July-he told me (Turn the damn Air down-my coffee's getting cold, I chuckled.
I cringe whenever I see a nice factory AC musclecar with all of the underhood AC stuff missing. I'm sorry-I give anybody hell that doesn't have their AC hooked up and working. To each his own.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be opposed to fixing the AC but I'm not sure what's still there, what's missing or how to go about coverting anything over to the newer refrigerant. I looked at some replacement kits online but they all cost upward of $1500 and say they require modifications. I guess I'm just not confident in my ability to get it all back together and working.
 
Post some pictures on here, we can tell you what you are missing. Go to a swap meet and pick up some R12, it may be pricey, but it would be worth it. Just trying to help out. That way you don't have to change pulleys and stuff.
 
lemondana said:
Post some pictures on here, we can tell you what you are missing. Go to a swap meet and pick up some R12, it may be pricey, but it would be worth it. Just trying to help out. That way you don't have to change pulleys and stuff.
Click to expand...
@gunbunny had a few cans kicking around
 
lemondana said:
Do you like to sweat? You will drive the car a lot more if you just fix the AC. Sounds kind of hot out there in California right now. Most women don't like to ride in a sweatbox. Do you do any freeway driving? The wind noise will kill you.
The R12 AC in my all original 67 Dart will freeze you out, have to run the fan on medium, or it gets to cold.
One time my buddy and I were running down I-80 in middle Nebraska in late July-he told me (Turn the damn Air down-my coffee's getting cold, I chuckled.
I cringe whenever I see a nice factory AC musclecar with all of the underhood AC stuff missing. I'm sorry-I give anybody hell that doesn't have their AC hooked up and working. To each his own.
Click to expand...
I like the a/c and I agree with you about how you would drive the car more because it will be more comfortable
 
lemondana said:
Post some pictures on here, we can tell you what you are missing. Go to a swap meet and pick up some R12, it may be pricey, but it would be worth it. Just trying to help out. That way you don't have to change pulleys and stuff.
Click to expand...

I'll post some pics of the engine compartment, maybe a link to a video too once I get it back from the body shop.
 
Everybody here ripped AC crap off and threw it in the ditch at some point. Let him do it, too.
 
73 Duster 360,

I removed the non-functional A/C from my car ('71 Dart GT 318).

This is what I started with:
AC original picture.jpg


I removed the compressor:
AC modified picture.jpg


Then I cut down the brackets (a 2nd set purchased from Ebay):
26157060011_large.jpg


Then realized the front bracket could be replaced with a small block chevy adjustable arm:
26157060014_large.jpg


With all that done, I purchased a 2nd Power Steering belt to use between the alternator and the crank pulley. I've been running this way for probably about 15-16 years with no troubles.
 
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