Condenser Mounting 1971

[Frank B.]

I need some assistance regarding the mounting hardware for the AC condenser and the top radiator supports. This is a 454 and I am not for sure there is a difference between it and a 350.
In regards to the condenser mounting, the judging manual states that the condition of the rubber mounting bushing should be checked. I have purchased a mounting kit but their are no rubber washers included. I have also purchased several radiator to core support mounting kits and each has anywhere from 2 - 4 star lock whashers included. The more I look at the assembly manual the more confussing it gets. Neither the condenser bushing or the upper core supports have a clear illustration as to what is required and what goes where. I was hoping that someone could help. I would just like to know the head markings of the four bolts that hold the upper radiator support in place. In addition to holding the radiator support the two inner bolts are used to mount the upper condenser mounting tabs. Just let me know how the washers and bushing are arranged on the bolts and what type of washers are used, example regular lock, flat star lock type.
I was hoping that someone with a original car would respond to my question, since some of the items mentioned above could have possible been disgarded during replacement of a condenser at AC Shop.

[Jim T.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Frank I have a original owner 70 350 with air. I can look at it Sat morning for you.

[Jim T.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Frank did a quick look at my late model year 70. I have a owner installed bug screen installed over my condensor area and the car is under my lift, so I could not get the hood all the way up to look at the bolt heads. However, of the four bolts at the top of the radiator support, three of mine for sure have the star type washers on them. The bottom two condensor bolts look like they have 7/6 head. I am involved in a house project to finish before the rain gets here from across the MS river. Will look more in detail if you need more information when I get the car out.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Jim & Frank, the configuration that Jim described as "three of mine for sure have the star type washers on them" is the original 70 installation.

When I removed my 70 condensor I found this arrangement with star washers at three locations, two of which were broken. I figured that the "fourth" fastener which had a large flat washer was improvised by later mechanics...in fact, it is ORIGINAL. There is a thread buried somewhere in the archives where this subject was discussed. The mixed washers were confirmed as original along with the position of the flat washer (top left?). Do a search on Ron Goduti's posts; it's probably been a couple of years.

Frank, what is the headstamp of the bolts? If it's a early seventies headstamp, we will probably be able to recognize it.

[Jim T.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Interesting about the three top bolts having star washers and one having a flat washer. That is what I have on my original owner 70, I believe the flat washer is on the left inside positon. Only reason for me to remove the original bolts was to secure my bug screen behind these bolts. Probably did this about 20 years ago.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Jim and Frank, I found the thread I referenced, but it is actually about the type and finish of lock washers for a 70 454 radiator support. I must have realized that this information matched my own observations on my base engine AC condenser mounting, and "extrapolated" the information.

Both the BB and the AC radiators/radiator supports are similar in type and configuration using the same brackets, one on each side, to hold the top of the radiator in postion (UPC LS5, Sheet B4). Each bracket has two bolts that attach it to the radiator support. The upper, inboard bolt on each bracket apparently also secures the top of the AC condenser when the car is equipped with C60. The interesting thing is that the condenser isn't installed as shown in the AIM (UPC C60, Sheet B1); the fasteners and washers from the brackets must have been re-used based on our observations.

Jim, I wondered why you kept saying that there were four bolts at the top of the condenser; now it's beginning to make more sense. My notes seem to indicate the fasteners and washers were zinc plated.

[Chuck S.]

Link Didn't Work...

Thead date was November 18, 2001...search for "Goduti+star washer+flat washer". That post will be the only hit you get.

[Frank B.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

I thank each of you for your input regarding mounting hardware for the condenser/upper radiator support brackets. As I look at LS5 B4 the support brackets appear to use two star washers and two bolts on the left side . The right side is mounted using a bolt and star washer outboard hole of the bracket and a bolt with a flat and a lock on the inboard hole of the bracket. As I look
at C60 B1 it appears when the C60 option was installed, that following took place during the mounting of the condenser. The left inboard radiator support bracket bolt was removed and the star washer discarded. A flat washer part number 3748358 was then placed on the bolt which was use to attach the left top of the condenser. On the right side the inboard radiator support bracket bolt with its flat and lock washer was remove. It appears that a flat washer part # 3748358 washer was then placed between the radiator support and the condenser upper condenser mounting bracket and the bolt which had been removed along with it's flat and lock washer were reinstalled. All of this seems sort of strange that is why I was trying to get someone to look at their car and give me a idea as to how to proceed with the mounting. If I am wrong regarding the above information please provide the correct information. The other question that I had was in regards tho the rubber bushing referred to in the judging manual. Is the Condenser mounted on rubber bushings and if so could someone give me some idea as tho what they look like. No one seems to supply them so I may hav't to find a subsitute or try to manufacture them.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Condenser Mounting 1971

Frank, the bottom line is: If you found your condenser installed the way the AIM says it should be installed, I would put it back like the AIM says. You are less likely to take deducts on something in accordance with the TIM&JG and/or AIM than for a configuration that is original on other cars, but totally foreign to those documents.

Jim's original owner 70 and my original 70 indicate that actual practice for mounting the condenser may have been different from the AIM, at least on small block cars. There is no rational reason, in my opinion, for the AC condenser to be mounted differently on big block cars than on small block cars.

I can't remember the exact configuration of the rubber mounting grommets. If no one is reproducing them, probably the closest thing you will be able to find should be considered a functional replacement at best. Check out the rubber grommet collection or the "HELP" section at Pep Boys or other auto part stores. Rubber grommets can be found in a wide range of OD/ID sizes and thicknesses to insulate holes in sheet metal; in this case you are looking for a groove OD to fit the condenser bracket tightly, but an ID small enough to fit the mounting bolt.