TAC Tech => Exterior => Topic started by: TA301 on July 23, 2026, 11:14:39 AM
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The pictures are from a 1981 TA with 3800 miles. Has under hood lights and a strange bracket over the AC compressor pully, presumably a safety device.
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Underwood light was an accessory option, although pretty much not even mentioned after the early 70's. Those models at least had the screw holes and harness in place to simply plug in. By the years of these, neither were catered for, although not hard to add, either. But it also has 2, that's new, shaker specific! Normally just the one placed above dipstick on Pontiac engines.
The compressor guard isn't so much for safety as for stopping the fling of the end seal when it starts to weep. A common problem with some. That was an 80's addition, often Olds/Buick styles.
An aftermarket cover was popular with the Corvette crowd, lack of clearance, for working and oil. Can't tell if yours is a variation of that. The other was a mid-80's GM and so far my pics aren't showing it saved.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdMUhQ7yei171zzQ0_qj1Ax1K5BKzLcj_HyeRSex0orCl3QlGj_w91iMBH&s=10
Also has the late cutaway overflow bottle, although never really understood why it was needed since the other fit. Obviously there was an extra option or arrangement that they thought it might be better with, or the smog pump bumped everything closer, like this one has. Maybe a non-smog 301 owner will recognise if the compressor is moved on this one. I can't recall.
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The AC compressor is certainly in its original position. Never seen that shield. I have to check both the 80 and 81 assembly manuals to see if it is illustrated. Thank you.
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That bracket is not seen in the assembly manuals of 1980 and 1981
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The Corvette one is custom, often preferred as tight clearance for working underhood. Ill have to find the GM version, mid-80s Olds.
I dont have the 81 Assembly manual, many changes? Just computer updates perhaps.
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I have heard of the ac compressor shield, just as Walli says to prevent oil from slinging over the engine compartment. I thought I read somewhere it was standard on Cadillacs? I have never seen one a TA.
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The pictured TA supposedly has 3800 miles yet is the only TA I have ever seen with that shield leading me to believe it was added later.
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Yep, not original. Often added by guys after already having a compressor seal replacement and trying to prevent having to clean engine bay again of sprayed oil and gunk.
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You have Assembly Manual for 81?
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I bought this years ago from Eckler's Corvette parts. If I recall correctly, their catalog listed it as being for a 1976 Corvette.
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You have Assembly Manual for 81?
Yes, I have the 81 manual
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I bought this years ago from Eckler's Corvette parts. If I recall correctly, their catalog listed it as being for a 1976 Corvette.
Thanks for posting. Evidently they are still available from variety of sources, however Eclairs have stopped selling them.
https://www.ecklers.com/1963-1976-corvette-air-conditioning-compressor-pulley-shield-black-25-190414-1.html
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Yes, been aftermarket for years. Just fold up shim but the Corvette guys liked them especially.
Ok, was gonna get something checked between the 80 and 81 manuals for someone else, but I can't recall what it was and they probably haven't responded anyway.
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I have both the 80 and 81 manuals
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Ill have to think about it, something between 80 and 81 with seats and assembly.
Or was it....