Serpentine Belt System - Vintage Air's Serpentine System

The polished aluminum A/C compressor mounts to the driver's side engine block with two 51/416x411/44-inch stainless steel bolts that pass through triangular wing brackets. We remind you again to use antiseize on the bolt threads to prevent galling-that can lead to the parts seizing together (we speak from experience).

This close-up shot shows the A/C compressor in place and its clearance to the engine block and valve cover. A major advantage of this system is the compact nature of the alternator and A/C compressor, which are narrower in width than the valve covers.

One very nice part of the Front Runner System is the A/C hard lines that connect to the A/C compressor. To install these lines, first remove the compressor cover. Be careful to keep the O-rings in place and do not allow (clear) compressor oil to run out of the compressor.

After removing the A/C compressor cover, the A/C hard lines are mounted to the compressor with two Allen-head or socket-head cap bolts.

The lower ends of the hard lines are secured with a rectangular bracket that bolts to the front main bracket with a small (flat) Allen-head screw. This is a nicely designed item that will integrate well with any Vintage Air A/C installation.

Before mounting the chrome-plated alternator, check to see if there is a threaded nutsert mounted in the Front Runner main bracket. The nutsert is essential to mounting the alternator. Mount the alternator using two stainless steel bolts with AN washers as per the instructions.

The Front Runner instructions advise examining the separate belt-tensioner instructions, which show how to prepare the belt-tensioner to mount a polished aluminum front cover. First, you'll need to remove the tensioner roller. Then a tapered block nut must be pressed into the backside of the belt-tensioner before it's mounted to the aluminum main bracket. We tapped the rectangular block nut into place with a hammer. It may be necessary to remove excess metal flashing around the square opening for the tapered block nut to fit properly.

We replaced the belt-tensioner roller and secured the unit to the front main bracket with the supplied (31/48x16x211/42) stainless steel bolt and AN washer.

We started to install the belt-tensioner cover, then decided to wait until the serpentine belt was properly located to avoid possibly damaging the belt-tensioner cover.