'66 427 with AC Compressor Brace Rod Questions

[Mike B.]

Let's try this one again. No hits 1st time around.

My question is if there is a difference between the '66 and '67 '(68) compressor brace rod? The '66 part # is: 3887168 while '67 # is: 3894366. Nolan Adams Restoration Guide has excellent info on the '66 rod, but no reference to any significant change to the rod in '67. The rod shown here appears to be a nice original (ouch$$$). Much heavier/beefier than the repro I bought years ago. I'd sure like to know if it's correct for a '66 big block?

So can anyone post pics of real brace rods (uninstalled or installed) on/off original '66 cars? It would also be excellent if any '67 owners would post their original brace rod shots for a comparison? I'd very much like to hear from the experts out there of any technical information they may have on this subject.

Close up shots of '66 and '67 installed rods would be excellent! Also the headmarks of the bolt that connects the brace rod to the horseshoe shaped intake bracket would be great.

Thanks guys for any help. Happy restoration.
Mike Browning (24893) '65 L79, '66 L36

[Gary J.]

Re: '66 427 with AC Compressor Brace Rod Questions

The first brace is the A/C adjusting brace that goes over the valve cover. It mounts to another bracket that mounts on the head. The second bracket looks like it may go to the POA valve that mounts to the evaporator core box.

[Keith B.]

Re: '66 427 with AC Compressor Brace Rod Questions

Here is a picture of a 67 brace. I don't recognize the other bracket. My guess would be for the STV

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 427 with AC Compressor Brace Rod Questions

Hi Gary and Keith. My message must've been a little confusing. Sorry. I purchased these 2 brackets from a guy in California a few years back. The bracket on the right is a real STV bracket. One of "Bubbuh's" pals lifted mine before I bought my '66 back in '88.

The rod on the left is the one that I think is an original BB AC brace rod.

Keith, thanks for the shot.

Thanks guys for the replies so far. Mike