New to forum... frustrating alt. bracket problem

[EddieF]

Hi. I just found this forum while searching for a solution to what has to be a common problem. You seem like a knowledgeable and resourceful bunch, so if you can help me I'd really appreciate it.

In a nutshell, I have a Chevy 350 with old style heads (no bolt holes in the end) and tall valve covers. The stock alternator adjustment bracket will not reach. I bought the chrome longer one from Morosso and although it is longer, the curve of the thing makes it also come up short! I just can't believe there aren't thousands of people with the same setup, what's the answer? I found some brackets from Alan Grove that look like they might work, but they're almost a hundred bucks and they have a real modern look to them. Doesn't anyone make a stupid bracket for this application?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Sorry if this isn't the right place for this question, please direct me elsewhere if that's the case.

Ed.

[Bob Parmenter]

Eddie, it's my experience that all alternator brackets are stupid. I've given several basic reading and math skill tests and they've all failed miserably!!

Check the web site for Parr Automotive http://www.parrautomotive.com/ they have several bracket configurations, all under $60. Read the description for each as well as looking at the pictures.

[EddieF]

Yeah, it's that curved slotted bar that won't reach the alternator now that I have tall valve covers. I'm trying to avoid the modern looking brackets like the ones Bob mentioned, and I really just need a longer curved slotted bar.

This has to be just immensely common, doesn't it? What am I missing? Nobody makes an adjustment bar long enough to allow for tall valve covers.

[Mike P]

I've run into the same problem in the past and usually cure it 1 of three ways.

1. Scrounge the wrecking yards to find something that will work.

2. Extend the existing bracket by welding on an extension (strictly for cars that are drivers).

3. Build a new one of of flat stock and either paint or plate it. (If you can't do it yourself it will be cheaper to bite the bullet and buy the high price stuff).

[EddieF]

Thanks guys. Good to know I'm not going crazy, that others have encountered this problem. I'll try the junkyard idea.

Mike, that's a very cool old truck project you've got there.

Ed.

[71nova]

I ran into this problem recently, its not as hard as it sounds, one, get a different size belt, i had to go smaller, two, summit makes the bracket for like 20 dollars, use the autozone or whatever bottom one but you cant use the one for the top or your alternator, dont bolt it to your intake, just go off the water pump, then make your own back bracket, simple piece of metal with two holes drilled in it, run it from the back of your water pump to the other side of your alternator, bracket should be really sturdy and i havent had a problem at all. if you have the long one with the holes in it ( not the huge chrome autozone thing) already then theres no reason it shouldnt work. about 20 dollars and 30 min of work and your done. part numbers are
SUM-G4019- 65-68 small chevy, short water pump $17.99
SUM-G4020- 69-75 long water pump, small chevy $14.99
SUM-G4021 76-86 small chevy long water pump $14.99
these are the high tech style brackets are what they are called but its what i had to buy and it works
1-800-230-3030 summit racing