Thermostat brackets, any difference between the years? Options

[Marlow]

Anyone know if the thermostat brackets are all the same for different years and engine sizes? I'm working on something to replace the old (unobtanium) bellows style thermostat with something a little more modern. This "new" thermostat is different in size and would require a new bracket.

[Marlow]

It would be interesting to know if AA is selling the 914 thermostat or the thermostat for the Type 1. I've read a few reports that the Type 1 thermostats being sold to replace the Type 4 have been very poor quality. The Type 1 thermostat also has a much lower opening temperature. And buying a used thermostat is definitely gambling; could last a day or a year, not worth $50 to me. New Type 1 thermostats are going for $80 or so.

This "new" thermostat design I'm working with is not a perfect replacement for the Type 4 original as it opens about 30 degrees sooner. But it's better than nothing. It's design has been proven reliable in other applications. I've been using a prototype thermostat and bracket in my own car for about 2 months now.

And the price should be right; new thermostat, new bracket, and new thermostat cable should be less than $70. The more I buy up front the lower the final price will be.

I came up with the idea when my 2 year old NOS thermostat failed on me a few months ago.