Removing Air Conditioning, Idler pulley or shorter belt?

[mx916]

Hey Guys, I have a 74 Charger with the 360 4 Barrel motor.  I want to remove the Air Conditioning compressor and all A/C components.  The compressor doesn't have a separate belt, the belt runs with another belt on the alternator. It seems there is no direct fit idler pulley, so, I am not sure if I can get shorter belts to run all motor pulleys instead of having an idler pulley.  Has anyone done this or have any advice for me.  I appreciate any feedback.  Thanks.

[ODZKing]

Well if as you say "any" feedback, I would ask WHY would you want to remove it? Get it working and enjoy it.  That will also answer your other question. Just my 

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I can't say for sure without a photo image of your set up, but if the current belts drive only the A/C compressor and alternator I can't see why you couldn't remove the compressor then measure and purchase the correct (shorter) belts to drive just the alternator.

[mx916]

That is true.  I wonder if the 360 came without air conditioning?  Then I would know the exact belt needed.  I will look into it.  Thanks for the feed back.

[71charger_fan]

On my '71 383, I needed to get a different water pump pulley when I removed my AC. I have no idea on the 360's.

[ODZKing]

On my '71 383, I needed to get a different water pump pulley when I removed my AC. I have no idea on the 360's.

Yes, correct. The water pump for an A/C car moves the coolant slower than a non-A/C pump. It is a different pump all together.

[Bronzedodge]

You'll want the A/C at some point.  Maybe not now, unless you live in a cool climate.

Your best bet is to find a small block without A/C with all it's brackets intact, and get a complete setup.  Hard to find nowadays.   

[John_Kunkel]

This question comes up a lot and the best answer is to put a double idler pulley in place of the compressor or (better yet) get the correct non-AC pulleys.

Of course, the absolute best advice is to leave the A/C.