The SAGA Begins - '66 300 Convertible

[live4theking]

I know that in 68 the 383 and 440 brackets are different. I ran into the same issue.

 

[detmatt]

Any pictures of the one from the 383? I can check my stash.

 

[Ripinator]

OK... I don't have a copy of a '66 parts book. I do have a '65 though and judging by the part numbers and number of pieces, what I have isn't for a '65. I am assuming that the '65 and '66 are probably the same.
1999185 for the 383 and 2003103 for the 413.
The '70 uses the same bracket for 383/440

John: That is interesting. I guess by 1970, they figured out a way to use the same bracket for both engines. Clearly, the bracket I have (taken off the old 383) is too short. And thanks for your help with the part numbers, etc.

 

[Ripinator]

Any pictures of the one from the 383? I can check my stash.

Matt: I have a picture, but it is of bracket at the back of the compressor in a semi-installed position. I'll post it tonight.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

It's a big cast iron bracket that stretches from head to head. Painted engine color IIRC. I do not have one from a RB.

 

[Ripinator]

It's a big cast iron bracket that stretches from head to head. Painted engine color IIRC. I do not have one from a RB.

Yes. That is exactly what it is. Guess I'll call Murray and see what he can do for me.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Yes. That is exactly what it is. Guess I'll call Murray and see what he can do for me.

I'm sure he's got them. Does C Body Bob have any?
@C Body Bob

 

[C Body Bob]

Nope

 

[Ripinator]

Nope

Thanks anyway, Bob.

 

[Zymurgy]

From the picture guy, we need pictures!!

 

[Ripinator]

From the picture guy, we need pictures!!

Stay tuned. . .

 

[Ripinator]

Alright ladies, I was gonna post these pictures and tell you all about my progress a couple of weeks ago, but Bob @1978 NYB had already sucked all the air out of the room .

Anyway, here are a few photos showing where I'm at today. I cleaned up the engine compartment as best I could. Also installed a new idler arm, while I was at it and some new splash shields.

The patient is ready:

The new 440 heart is on the hook.

Looks easy don't it? Well it's not. I don't have a photo that shows all the wiggling around, engine rocking and the jack adjusting it took to get the damned bell housing to snap onto the engine block. But when it finally did, I felt like I was a real smart guy. . .

So, yesterday I thought: The rest of this engine swap is gonna be a piece of cake, and I'll start with mounting the A/C compressor and the power steering pump, etc. No way Jose. . . As you can see, the A/C mounting bracket that I took off the old 383 ain't gonna work. I called and left a message for Murray today. . .

 

[rags]

nice. gotta get us some wheelie shots when it's done!

 

[65sporty]

I was going to suggest you modify the original bracket until I read Dave's post about it being cast iron. It's not impossible to work with, just not as easy as a steel bracket. Thanks for the update

 

[LatPeahy]

Rip-
I might have one for a 65 413. I’ll check tonight when I get home from work. Cars looking good man!

 

[detmatt]

It is looking good Rip!
No luck on the bracket here...

 

[Ripinator]

Rip-
I might have one for a 65 413. I’ll check tonight when I get home from work. Cars looking good man!

Thanks Pat. I just talked to Murray Park. He has one, and its on the way.

 

[Ripinator]

It is looking good Rip!
No luck on the bracket here...

Thanks, Matt. Murray is gonna hook me up.

 

[Wollfen]

Stay tuned. . .

I was waiting to see a pic of the bracket to see if i had one for you.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I hope you clean and paint the new one!!!!!!