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Hot Rods V belt tensioner

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by lcfman, Sep 10, 2021.

  1. lcfman
    Joined: Sep 1, 2009
    Posts: 379

    lcfman
    Member
    from tn

    I am in the need for a v belt tensioner that I can adapt off an a/c bracket. I have spent about an hour on line looking for something I can fab up but almost all the tensioners are for flat serpentine belts and the few v belt tensioner I saw look like machinery applications not automotive. Any suggestions welcome.
     
  2. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Pictures would help along with vehicle/engine info.
     
  3. dalesnyder
    Joined: Feb 6, 2008
    Posts: 609

    dalesnyder
    Member

    Look at V8 mustangs from the early to mid 70’s, they had them. Maybe look at rock auto.
     
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  4. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 19,132

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

    Something I whittled out.
    20161107_010143.jpg
     
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  5. larry k
    Joined: Feb 23, 2009
    Posts: 545

    larry k
    Member

    Think riding mower decks with v belts !
     
  6. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Many late 60's though the end of V belt Ford V8 engines had them.
    Start with a search for 72 Ford AC idler pulley and go from there.
     
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  7. Last edited: Sep 10, 2021
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  9. 1930ModelA
    Joined: Sep 4, 2008
    Posts: 155

    1930ModelA
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Mid 60s Corvette Idler arm pulley repop?
     

    Attached Files:

  10. bill gruendeman
    Joined: Jun 18, 2019
    Posts: 807

    bill gruendeman
    Member

    I think most moved the a/c compressor to tension the belt, no idler like a serpentine belt.
     
  11. iamdiffrnt
    Joined: Apr 15, 2010
    Posts: 41

    iamdiffrnt
    Member

    Top center in the photo Jnkyarddog_1 posted, should be the same as 69 mustang 5.8 a/c idler. Rock auto has them for around $15.
     
  12. goldmountain
    Joined: Jun 12, 2016
    Posts: 4,442

    goldmountain

    All the old add on air conditioners with the York compressors seemed to have belt tensioners. If you find an old one, it takes the same bearing as most old alternators.
     
  13. Jack E/NJ
    Joined: Mar 5, 2011
    Posts: 836

    Jack E/NJ
    Member
    from NJ

    Think skateboards. Wheels for tensioning & wrap. 8^)

    tensxler.jpg tensford.jpg
     
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  14. onetrickpony
    Joined: Sep 21, 2010
    Posts: 753

    onetrickpony
    Member
    from Texas

    Use a V-groove for pulling the belt out but a flat tensioner can be used on the back of the belt for tension, too. Using a flat one on the back can be better because it increases the belt contact with the pulleys on both sides where a v pulley decreases the contact.
     
  15. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,394

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    Some farm machinery also had these items...
     
  16. indyjps
    Joined: Feb 21, 2007
    Posts: 5,377

    indyjps
    Member

    Consider a mid 90's GM tensioner, here's the back. Easy to mount and uses a pin to locate, clock it anyway you need. Easily replacement, and many lengths and offsets, GM used them on everything
    Can use it in the back of the pulley, as onetrickpony suggested.
    ado-10069964hr.jpg

    If you want to swap the pulley, get one with a sealed bearing. Bearing will have a number in the seal and can be replaced if needed, pulley shouldn't wear.

    I searched for 3" diameter steel v pulley, need to ensure the bearing bore aligns with the bolt for the tensioner.
    Screenshot_20210911-114410_Chrome.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2021

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