I have a stock top alternator bracket that bolts to the block on my 350. Now I'm upgrading to a chrome top bracket that bolts to the water neck (Thermostat Housing Bolt). Looks like I may need some sort of stud, but in this picture I found on ebay it looks like this guys bracket uses the same bolt to hold on the bracket and water neck. Can I do mine this way or should I try to find a stud. Thanks for the help! Bill

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035194386110803783015.jpg

I believe the original route was to a stud. Remember, during assembly line procedure, its better to attach with a nut than to remove a bolt and re-attach the bolt. Engines came without the bracket until placed into the frame at the 'line.

I could be mistaken..........

I'm not really concerned with originality. I'm just curious as to whether it will work (Safely & Securely) without a stud by just using the existing bolt (I may need a longer bolt) to hold both the bracket and housing. Thanks! Bill

[ 05-19-2003, 05:10 AM: Message edited by: redlines4us ]

My current alternator bracket doesnt bolt to anything on top there. Previous owner put on a different intake and the bracket hole is about 2" from the thermostate housing bolt where it should attach. For now, it just hangs there. The belt has always stayed tight but Im considering making a short flat 2 holed piece of metal to at least make that final connection. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I'm pretty sure the factory setup was a stud with a nut holding down the thermo housing, then the alt bracket goes over the remainder of the stud sticking up and is held on with another nut. Actually, I think it was a special bolt that had a threaded stud above the hex head.

There were two types of brackets. One bolted to the t'stat neck the next newer bracket bolted to the intake manifold. Mine bolts to the t'stat neck which is period correct for a '69. I just have a single bolt on mine, which works fine.

Thanks for the help! Bill

I remember a bolt with a stud attached to the top for my alt bracket. Does any one know where I can find one of these? (1970 Z28)

Here is a pic with the bolt holding down the thermostat and then the alternator bracket mounted.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/Caman355/267.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/Caman355/261.jpg

wow. this has to be in the running for the "oldest thread resurrected.ever." award.

Didn't even notice the date, just saw there was a new reply.