Suggestions on conversion to Sanden AC system on 1967 Avanti II with SBC engine

[Dick M]

Hi, 

Last fall I purchased a 1967 Avanti II that has 56,000 miles on it.  It had a 350 SBC engine installed sometime in the early 80’s.  I installed a new brake booster assembly and decided that I would install a dual master cylinder for safety reasons.  I ordered the master cylinder and took some measurements to check for clearance to what I believe is the original Axial compressor and accessory drive system.  It does not appear that it will fit.  So, I am considering updating the AC system to a Sanden system, with the compressor on the driver side of the vehicle so it is located further forward providing more room for the master cylinder.  I know others have already made this conversion, so I am looking for some help, so I do not “reinvent the wheel” on my journey.  Here are the questions I have:

•  Who is the best source for the AC compressor and the necessary accessory drive brackets?
•  What are the part numbers that you have used?
• Are there any other suggestions that will help me with this conversion?

Thanks in advance for your help! 

[Gunslinger]

There is a vendor…don’t remember who…that fabricates and sells an Sanden adapter for the Avanti II.  You might check with Myer’s Studebaker…Mike Myer may have what you need or know where to get it.

[Dick M]

Thanks!

[Mel]

I had the piston (York?) compressor replaced with the Sanden compressor while the car was getting a paint and interior makeover.  The guy welded an adapter plate (currently available through Vintage Air, I believe) to the original mount bracket allowing mounting of the rotary compressor.  Looked like crap, crankshaft and compressor axes did not quite line up, I hated it.

Vintage Air has mount brackets for various makes and models.  My compressor is mounted on the passenger's side with the power steering pump on the left.  My A/C hoses come out of the dash on the passenger side, hence the compressor on that side.

I don't know about your 350, basically the same block as the 327, but the 327 had either a long or a short water pump and, hence, different pulley arrangements and accessory mount brackets; I don't know if this applies to your setup.  (I consulted my friend, Mr. Youtube, to figure mine out.)  Vintage Air has brackets for both.  For my 327 with the short pump, Vintage Air's p/n is 15126-SCA.  If nothing else, this p/n can get you to the listing of the GM brackets.  As I recall, their website was a bit tricky to navigate. 

Regarding Vintage Air, their jigs for patterns are right on the money and they use very good metal and the brackets have very good welds.  They provide the bolts and spacers for whichever application you have, (e.g., Ram Horn Manifold, Drop Type Manifold, ...) and the tolerances are very tight.  You get to paint them as you choose, no paint from the factory.  They illustrate which bolts and spacers go where; however, their other written instructions are vague.  They provide written instructions with the kits but you can also view these with the kit itself and print these out.  If you go this route, I'd recommend print them out and perusing them before purchase as you can familiarize yourself ahead of time.  It is a bit of a puzzle and you can figure it out;  just don't imagine that you'll figure it out in 5 minutes.  They could easily include more detailed pictures; this is my only complaint.  Overall, very good value for the money and I'm very happy with the results.

Good luck!  Keep us posted.