Right vs Wrong Alternator Adjustment Brace
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Right vs Wrong Alternator Adjustment Brace
Some previous owner installed a universal alternator adjustment brace on my C3 before i bought it. It was always tricky adjust it correctly where the alternator cooling fins don't contact the brace.
Finally got annoyed enough to drop the $22 plus shipping for the factory unit.
Here are some photos of the differences. Super easy to adjust now.
Finally got annoyed enough to drop the $22 plus shipping for the factory unit.
Here are some photos of the differences. Super easy to adjust now.
Last edited by AboveTheLogic; May 1, 2017 at 12:28 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
Yeah, see the problem.
I believe that old bracket would work correctly on an 80-82 as those years the bottom mount is higher up at the main alternator bracket and not at the water pump.
Try holding it up to that bolt kinda behind it and see how it lines up.
I have one of those brackets I've been trying to give away for years...
I believe that old bracket would work correctly on an 80-82 as those years the bottom mount is higher up at the main alternator bracket and not at the water pump.
Try holding it up to that bolt kinda behind it and see how it lines up.
I have one of those brackets I've been trying to give away for years...
Last edited by KapsSA; May 1, 2017 at 01:48 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,328
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ATL,
Since the bolt appears to be right at the limit of the adjustment range I'm wondering about the length of the belt you're using too?
This a a 71 sb configuration/installation.
?
Regards,
Alan
Since the bolt appears to be right at the limit of the adjustment range I'm wondering about the length of the belt you're using too?
This a a 71 sb configuration/installation.
?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; May 1, 2017 at 06:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Interesting. Now that you bring up the belt length, I remember now that I used to have to remove the alternator to remove the drivers side valve cover. I don't quite remember but I might have bought a longer belt in an effort to avoid having to do that. Never helped.
When it comes time to change the belt, I'll get the stock length and see if it makes a difference. I'll see about moving the mount to the rear of the adjustment tab as well. I actually have several washers between the adjustment arm and the water pump that i should be able to remove as well. There were a few there when I bought the car and I had to add even more when I spaced it all out to make room for the Cloyes timing cover for my roller cam.
Here is a picture from last year:
When it comes time to change the belt, I'll get the stock length and see if it makes a difference. I'll see about moving the mount to the rear of the adjustment tab as well. I actually have several washers between the adjustment arm and the water pump that i should be able to remove as well. There were a few there when I bought the car and I had to add even more when I spaced it all out to make room for the Cloyes timing cover for my roller cam.
Here is a picture from last year:
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
The bracket is not good either, just shiny. The bottom of the alternator doesn't mount properly on it, some hardware is missing there.
KapsSA, what is the extra bracket you have?
KapsSA, what is the extra bracket you have?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,328
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ATL,
From your photos I see lot's of 'upgraded' parts…. it may be difficult to determine just what lower alternator mounting bracket might be the best choice at this point.
Here's an example of an original lower bracket…. but I'm in NO way inferring this is what will work for you.
Regards,
Alan
From your photos I see lot's of 'upgraded' parts…. it may be difficult to determine just what lower alternator mounting bracket might be the best choice at this point.
Here's an example of an original lower bracket…. but I'm in NO way inferring this is what will work for you.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; May 1, 2017 at 12:50 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
The arm I have is like your wrong one, for 80-82.
Your main mount "looks" correct for 79, maybe original polished and chromed? Or aftermarket. There should be a short sleeve in one of the mounting pivot holes that snugs things up when you tighten the alternator through bolt.
Don't understand the washers??
The adjustment arm that attaches at the water pump should have a bolt with a stud on the end. About a 3/16" spacer and alternator adjusting arm goes under the bolt head/nut against the water pump, smog pump bracket goes on outside of bolt head/nut with a lock washer and nut finishing it off.
I agree a shorter belt would be nice but looks like you have taller valve covers which would make it hard to go much shorter.
Your main mount "looks" correct for 79, maybe original polished and chromed? Or aftermarket. There should be a short sleeve in one of the mounting pivot holes that snugs things up when you tighten the alternator through bolt.
Don't understand the washers??
The adjustment arm that attaches at the water pump should have a bolt with a stud on the end. About a 3/16" spacer and alternator adjusting arm goes under the bolt head/nut against the water pump, smog pump bracket goes on outside of bolt head/nut with a lock washer and nut finishing it off.
I agree a shorter belt would be nice but looks like you have taller valve covers which would make it hard to go much shorter.
Last edited by KapsSA; May 7, 2017 at 10:45 PM.