Any elegant solutions for modifying fan shroud to fit AC?

[ginmtb]

I’m currently in the process of installing AC in my cruiser. I have the Vintage Air alternator/compressor bracket which is slick... but creates a clearance issue with the fan shroud. Per their instructions modifying the shroud may be necessary. In my case the I need about 1/4” additional clearance.

I hate to have to cut my OEM shroud. There is a little cut/tweak in it so it’s not perfect but still wish I didn’t have to. Anyone out there that installed the Vintage Air bracket figure out a good solution? I looked at different compressors but seems they are pretty universal in size regardless of single or double grooves on the pulley.

Thanks!

 

[Jdc1]

I had to do it to mine for a PS pump and will have to do it for the AC compressor too. As long as it isnt sharp and is well done, im sure it will blend in and wont be noticed. I have a stock backup just in case though.

 

[65swb45]

There are 2F shrouds that are shallower to start with.

 

[GA Architect]

I'm not 100% sure I have an OEM fan shroud, but mine isn't modified in any way. Now don't get me wrong, it is tight between the shroud and compressor at about 1/2" or less. But doesn't touch and I have changed the fan belts without removing either item.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Hey @GA Architect, that's a very nice looking engine bay!

Almost looks like you used a time machine to import it from 1977 to 2018.

 

[emac]

Same here. Pretty sure my shroud is stock 77. Mine is not vintage air, but is mounted about the same way.

 

[Jdc1]

Same here. Pretty sure my shroud is stock 77. Mine is not vintage air, but is mounted about the same way.

View attachment 1731220

Looks like the later shroud is the way to go....

 

[ginmtb]

Yeah it is definitely looking like it! Thanks everyone for the feedback and photos.

@65swb45 is that shroud a direct bolt on to an older model? Mine is a 74 1.5F...

 

[ginmtb]

Oh and I’m using a mixture of Old Air Hurricane and Vintage Air. VA brackets and condenser since hey are custom for Land Cruisers but main unit by Old Air since it takes up very little space inside.

 

[samc2447]

I'm doing this right now with the VA bracket and the shroud on my '78 does not interfere.

 

[White Stripe]

I believe vintage air has enlarged their condenser for better performance with the introduction of the new redesigned kits that have been out for the last year or so. That may be why some don't have to trim their fan shroud-they have the older style kits with smaller condensers. I could be wrong but if I remember I had to trim my shroud. My shroud trim looks fine though and wasn't a big deal. I also trimmed the corners of the fan blades. The fan was very close to the compressor and I didn't want it to hit during a water crossing or during chassis flex. But I used a fj60 fan. Not sure if it's different from a fj40 fan. I also installed all new hoses, water pump, belts, fan clutch, installed a new alternator- 100 amp gm alternator this time, radiator, side cover gasket, timing cover gasket and front crank seal while it was apart. I didn't want to have to rip anything apart again for a long time.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Yeah it is definitely looking like it! Thanks everyone for the feedback and photos.

@65swb45 is that shroud a direct bolt on to an older model? Mine is a 74 1.5F...

I used a later shroud in my 9/70. Bolted up fine to the cradle.

You can also oblong out the holes in the frame mounts for the cradle and move it forward gaining extra distance from the belt driven accessories. I had to do this with a late 2f and 4 core rad into my 9/70...not for the your purpose but might help.