Author Topic: I thought I had seen them all  (Read 1428 times)

TA301

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I thought I had seen them all
« on: July 23, 2026, 11:14:39 AM »
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.

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2026, 09:02:22 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2026, 10:44:50 PM by Wallington »

TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2026, 04:30:01 PM »
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.

TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2026, 07:08:33 PM »
That bracket is not seen in the assembly manuals of 1980 and 1981

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2026, 03:32:51 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2026, 03:35:46 AM by Wallington »

Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2026, 03:32:51 AM »

roadking77

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2026, 02:16:12 PM »
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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TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2026, 08:20:40 PM »
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.

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2026, 09:20:18 PM »
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.

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2026, 06:42:37 AM »
You have Assembly Manual for 81?

another10th

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2026, 08:14:52 PM »
I bought this years ago from Eckler's Corvette parts. If I recall correctly, their catalog listed it as being for a 1976 Corvette.
JEFF

'79 TATA
'02 CETA #436

TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #10 on: August 03, 2026, 04:54:27 PM »
You have Assembly Manual for 81?

Yes, I have the 81 manual

TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #11 on: August 03, 2026, 05:19:20 PM »
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
« Last Edit: August 03, 2026, 05:23:10 PM by TA301 »

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2026, 02:50:25 AM »
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.

TA301

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2026, 08:25:35 AM »
I have both the 80 and 81 manuals

Wallington

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Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2026, 09:20:27 AM »
Ill have to think about it, something between 80 and 81 with seats and assembly.
Or was it....
« Last Edit: August 06, 2026, 09:22:39 AM by Wallington »

Re: I thought I had seen them all
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2026, 09:20:27 AM »