I have 2 alternator brackets in perfect condition except that both are missing that damm steel bushing. Does anyone know of a source for the bushing or do any of you guys have a broken bracket that still has the bushing? I will cheerfully pay freight plus for one or more of those bushings.
Or is their some way to get around the need for the bushing? Tia for any help.

I don't use the bushing in my alternator bracket. Near as I can tell, it didn't come with one. The old (broken) braket I had, did have a bushing, but the replacement (from an 85, I think) doesn't look like it ever had one.

Thanks for the reply but every original bracket I've seen has the bushing which supports one end of the alt pivot bolt. I think that without the bushing the bracket hole elongates and ends up letting the alt move around. The a/c bracet also has the bushing. Just a thought but they must be there for some reason. Maybe in your new bracket the hole for the pivot bolt is smaller, a push fit for the bolt. Is that the case? Because without the bushing the bolt is VERY sloppy.

[This message has been edited by David DeVoe (edited 05-31-2004).]

Yep, gotta have the bushing to keep the steelbolt from wearing through the aluminum.

JazzMan

Now that I think of it I wonder why a split bushing like a roll pin would'nt work in that hole?

hi, any small piece of steel pipe would work given the right diameter, just cut to lenght and expoxy in..............

Copper tubing or steel conduit would work also.

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd - Grey Interior
White 85GT Auto - Grey Interior

Steel will work, but I think you need one of the original sleeves as it is a thin-walled design with a rolled flange for the bolt to fit against. It is also fairly hard steel and just presses into the bracket. There should be enough broken brackets laying around to come up with one for free or next to free.

JazzMan

I was hoping someone would come up with a broken bracket as both of mine are good except for the bushing. I think it could just be pressed out of the broken piece.

Yep, they just push right out. I don't have any broken brackets at the moment otherwise I'd send you one in an envelope.

JazzMan

I've seen some that did not utilize the bushing. The ones that don't us it are the exact width of the thru bolt sleeve on the alternator. Check it and see if that is the case.
Here is a shot of one that doesn't use the sleeve.

And as you can see here in this shot the alternator fits exactly inside. This is an 88 alternator but that portion of the case is the same as earlier models.

I have looked to see if I have one with the bushing and at this time I have none. I do have three of this type though. One is still mounted to the 87 engine it belongs to, another is on an 85 engine. If you need the bushing for yours, I think the one in the A/C bracket is the same thing.
Hope this helps.

Indiana resto guy, yes that did help, went out to the garage found an old alt and tried it in the bracket, damn if it wasn't exactly as wide as the bracket opening. But the bolt is still a very loose fit in the bracket. Just seems like wear and movement would be an issue.