A/C is out! And a question re. the compressor mounting plate bolts

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

I spent the rainy afternoon pulling the big stuff out of the engine bay, and wow it really cleans things up under there. Thanks to all for the replies on my question about residual freon.

I've got another question, I did a search and couldn't find the answer. When I removed the condensor mounting plate, I removed these 4 bolts

From here (orange arrows):

What size bolts do I need to buy to replace these? I'm assuming that they are longer than the stock bolts to account for the thickness of the mounting plate.

Next up is the hoses, but here's how she looks now, much better and hopefully it's going to run cooler now that the condensor is gone from the deck lid.

moneymanager · 09-11-2010, 01:35 PM

You can pull one of the non-ac ones to check the length.

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

Yea, that's the question - the rest of them are studs, not bolts. I'm assuming back in '76 when the dealer installed the unit that they pulled the studs out and put these bolts in to attach the mounting bracket.

So, am I ok getting shorter bolts (and if so what size)? I would assume so as the car has had bolts instead of studs all these years...or should I put studs in?

thanks in advance for the help

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Dave,

Your engine looks great. The smog pump assembly all cleaned up really balances out the engine compartment.

I bet you meant the compressor mounting plate and not the condensor mounting plate. The original set-up had studs coming out of the chain boxes. The covers then just needed nuts to fasten. I think you just need to run those long bolts in until they bottom - back off an eighth or sixteenth inch in length and buy that length at Home Depot - considering the thickness of the lock washer.

If you want to go "Porsche" check out page 25 0f this PDF file (link below) and dig into the part numbers - I am thinking it is #3 on the diagram. Of course, there are two #3's and you will have to figure out which length studs to buy. I did not check to see if they are available thru PP.

These studs come out - not as a rule - but in my two times in 15 years replacing the hardware on the chain covers several have come loose.

http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/usa/911_USA_74_77_KATALOG.pdf

moneymanager · 09-11-2010, 02:15 PM

Why not just run the long bolts in, measure the length needed, and cut them to fit. They'll work fine. Put a nut on the bolt before you cut so you can file the end and recut the threads.

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

Thanks guys. Yeah Bob, compressor mount, not condensor

. That Porsche parts list is very cool. I went ahead and picked up some studs and put 'er back the way the good doctor intended, and since everything is now so visible did a little clean up also. Wish that heater hose wasn't so dented & smashed - I tried to straighten it out the best I could, but it's alot more visible now also.

All in all it was a good day in the garage

.

nineball · 09-11-2010, 05:45 PM

those hoses are relatively cheap and super easy to replace.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Also with no a/c you can get a passenger side retro-fit heater duct and delete the big hose. You bypass the blower assist for the passenger but the alternator fan blows plenty good. It can be done with the AC unit but without it you don't have to hammer it to fit.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 911-106-322-01-PH