# Alternator Brace Bracket for 1986 Chevy C20 Scottsdale 350

Vehicle & Part Overview

This is an alternator brace bracket (also called an alternator adjusting arm) from a 1986 Chevrolet C20 Scottsdale with 350 small block engine. The bracket features a distinctive Z-shaped offset profile with:

  • Two plain bolt holes for primary mounting
  • One threaded boss for pivot/adjustment
  • A slot for belt tension adjustment
  • Stamped letter "N" (supplier/foundry code, not a casting number)

The bracket mounts between the alternator and the water pump housing or intake manifold, allowing the alternator to pivot for proper serpentine belt tensioning.

Identification Details

The stepped, Z-shaped offset profile is the defining characteristic of this alternator adjusting bracket. The visible slot in one of the mounting holes confirms this is a tension-adjustment mounting point rather than a fixed attachment.

The single letter "N" stamped on the bracket is a supplier or foundry code rather than a GM casting number. GM used dozens of outside stamping suppliers for brackets like this, and they typically left only a single letter identifier.

Sourcing Recommendations

Classic Industries is the primary source for reproduction alternator brace brackets for 1986 Chevy C/K trucks:

  • carspanner.com/go/classic-industries
  • Search by application: 1986 C20 350 alternator bracket
  • They carry a good range of small block accessory brackets for squarebody trucks

eBay Motors is a reliable secondary source for original used brackets:

  • carspanner.com/go/ebay-motors
  • Brackets like this show up regularly pulled from running 350 engines
  • Always verify seller photos match your exact bolt pattern before purchasing, as GM revised these brackets several times even within the squarebody generation (1981–1987)

Fitment & Safety Notes

These accessory brackets are not safety-critical components, so a quality used original bracket is often a more economical choice than paying for a reproduction part.

The 1986 C20 Scottsdale 350 engine bay layout is consistent across the 1981–1987 squarebody generation, making fitment straightforward once the correct bracket is identified. The 350 in an 86 Scottsdale may be either throttle body injected (later production) or carbureted depending on exact build date, but this does not affect bracket compatibility.