Being I live in Texas and its HOT as Hades in summer, I would like to put AC in my under-construction '37 truck. I found an evaporator unit with heat/ac I can hide in the seat well. Now where to put the compressor and drive it! I have seen the compressor/generator mounts that go on top of the engine, but hate the way they look. I would like to put the compressor under the radiator (mounted facing backward) or nearly on top of the frame (parallel with the headers) but would need an extended crank dual sheeve pulley, or a two sheave water pump pulley to drive it. Is there such a thing for the smaller crank or water pump? Anyone done this? My goal is to keep it near original looking, but capable of driving in todays traffic/hiways with a few creature comforts. Appreciate any ideas or resources. Thanks!

Mark

 

Ford offered dual sheeve pulley setups on the big trucks. The setup was the crank pulley, water pump pulleys, and generator pulley. The hot rod guys pay more for these. The crank pulley is specific to 32-38 V8 motors. In 1939 the snout of the crank got longer and a different pulley is used. Here is an example of the set (overpriced in my opinion) I found while looking for pictures. I think the crank pulley in this example is the 39-48 version. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flathead-Ford-Dual-Belt-Pulley-Water-Pump-Crankshaft-Blower-Supercharger-Hot-Rod-/221839676372?nma=true&si=3pJYf9Am13G5KiUAQgRx9ZuBKfM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I think that your best option would be to find a passenger side dual belt water pump and use the second sheave to run your compressor. I pick the passenger side over the driver's side due to the steering box on the driver's side. I am used to seeing rebuilt dual belt pumps in the $100 price range.

 

Fred, you are just the fountain of flathead knowledge. Thanks very much for taking the time to share. I'll be on the lookout then for a dual sheeve water pump. Should do the trick nicely. Thanks!

 

One more thought. The new sealed ball bearing water pumps with ceramic seals look an awful lot like the original Ford dual belt pumps updated with the new seal. I think, but can't verify, that you could swap the single belt pulley for a dual belt pulley on a new pump. That way if you found a cheap rusty original with a usable pulley you could be in business. The pulley is the same for the driver or passenger side.

Note: Ford single bet pumps through 47 are bushing pumps with a smaller shaft diameter. Ford dual belt pumps through 47 are ball bearing pumps with a larger shaft diameter.