66 A/C Fan Question

[Mark J.]

I am adding an Old Air A/C system with A6 compressor to my non-air '66 convertible (327/300). I want to upgrade the fan blade to meet the cooling needs, but don't want to draw too much attention to an incorrect fan.

In researching my options, I looked at the AIM, JG, vendor catalogs and dealer websites showing factory air cars. Here's what I found:

1. The JG describes a 7 blade A/C fan with squared reinforcements, rounded ends and flat (button) rivets.
2. The vendor catalogs/websites suggest a 7-blade fan.
3. Photos of factory air cars suggest a 5-blade fan in many cases.
4. The AIM illustration shows a 5-blade A/C fan, #***9562, or #***3137 (the first three numbers are blurred on my AIM).

Question: Did the '66 327/300 factory air cars come with a 5 or 7 blade fan? What is your recommendation for a functional replacement?

Mark R. Johnson

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 A/C Fan Question

Mark,

Here is my recommendation and this comes from experience in both big blocks and small block conversions to the Old Air System.

You will have to have an electric fan in front of the condenser. (There is plenty of room if it is installed correctly) It may be purchased from Old Air with the system but it is essential to cooling your Corvette.

Do not sweat the fan. It does not matter about whether it's a five blade of seven blade however the seven blade fan sounds like a 747 taking off from under your hood.

Facts with the SB

You will be much better off purchasing a NEW radiator from Be Cool. Other are available such as DeWitt's, Davis etc.

You should purchase the largest recommended electric fan from Old Air if you are using a small block aluminum radiator.

You should make sure that ALL the air is coming thru your radiator. That means using all the recommended sealing around the shroud.

You should purchase a NEW fan clutch. These can still be found even though they are DC'd by Chevy.

The Old Air System will cool many times better than the stock AC system provided by GM.

Enjoy your new Old Air System.

Regards,

JR

[Dick W.]

Re: 66 A/C Fan Question

One other minor point to add. You will need to upgrade to at least a 61 amp alternator. If you have your original you can do one of two things. You can put it up on the shelf and save it and go to the local parts house and buy a generic Delco 61 amp, or you can send your original to John Pirkle and have him upgrade it. Looks perfectly original.

Joe, by the way 54% to 45% in AR? No comments are needed