From what I can see, they are basically the same except his is bent inward close to block lower down next to pump.

As the other pictures show, the filter is close to engine center. To get there, they seem to be going through about a two inch offset gap between the water manifold pipes. Lower pipe is close in as the pictures show and the upper one sticks out leaving a space the fuel line goes thru before bending into filter. On the Carribean, the filter is way in front and almost directly above the pump.

Maybe someone else with a single carb could see how their pipe routes. There are 5 different tubes listed for 55-6 probably due to length needed for various carbs. Caribbean seems to be only model using the same both years.

It's called a Peltier elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling but not sure it would be efficient enough--plus needs some engineering. This might be a good application for strapping the pipe to the AC suction line JW mentionedhttps://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=53305#forumpost53305 to take advantage of that free cooling.

As O_D says, the Caribbean goes straight up and bends in but that is probably because the filter is further forward for the dual carbs. The training book "Know the 55th series" has a half shot showing the pump. The line is similar but still appears to hug the block.

What about some kind of heat protection. McMaster-Carr has some sleeving products which look like they might protect and not look out of place--one even looks a lot like the material on the choke heat tube. Some are full tubes that the pipe would have to be removed to install, others are wrap around and could be installed in place. If that is something to consider, do a search for pipe sleeve and select the sleeves on menu that comes up.

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The operation of the tool is as you mentioned. The type Brian and I have are readily available at many parts stores in the misc tools or upholstery tools section. Mine is the KD 431 such as Sears sellshttp://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00993939000P?vName=Sears%20Pro&cName=Professional&sName=Mechanics%20Tools%20&%20Auto%20Supplies&sid=IDx20070921x00003d&srccode=cii_13736960&cpncode=17-56950976-2

You can make one by slotting a piece of sheet metal (around 16ga or approx 1/16" or less) about an inch wide and several inches long. A putty knife would work but might be hardened and hard to slot. Bend it as shown in the manual. Narrow is better because if it scratches, handle will cover them. The KD tool is just a bit wide and needs care when you slide it behind the handle so it won't scratch the painted door panel (or snag the upholstery if that is what you have) above and below the handle.

NOTE: This one is shown backward so you could see the number. Normally, the door handle would fit into the slight recess of the tool and smooth side would be toward panel.

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I believe the center washers would be to provide a solid attachment point at the same thickness as the rubber top and bottom washers. That would allow the radiator to be firmly attached without any deforming of the mount or putting much pressure against the rubber washers. Keeping it spaced away top & bottom would let the flexing and vibration be snubbed by the rubber pieces.

I have a tool similar to that shown and it works but mine is not the same brand and is a bit too wide. The Packard clip is different than GM in that it doesn't completely remove like the wire clip but just has to be slightly pushed back to release.

You can have either of two type clips as first picture shows. Other pictures are of the Packard handle. Slot needs to be 7/16 to 1/2 wide to just clear the square handle post and maybe 1/2 to 5/8 deep. Important that it not be so wide as to miss one side of small ears on clip that it has to catch to push back. If you have the type A clip, and only push one side, the ear can bend or break before the clip releases.

While a tool with a slot makes it a lot easier, if you're careful not to slip and risk scratching or tearing something, clips can be released with two small thin screwdrivers.

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Service Counselor 25-7 has the revised mounting info for 51. Here is an excerpt. 55-6 used identical part numbers and quantity for bolts and spacers so assume mounting was also same. Mine was hard and crushed but the rubber washers were seemingly about 1/16 and 1/8 thick and spacer was just slightly less than 3/16 so as to just barely let the rubber compress. I was able to find new rubber washers at local hardware store and spacers were re-used but are easily made if missing. They are nothing but relatively thin tubing in a size just slightly larger than the screw diameter.

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Here are some numbers people were kind enough to offer last year when I started gathering things for a 47.

Things got put on hold so was sidetracked in chasing them down. Maybe they will give you a starting point and you will have time to see if any of them still available.

What I did find is that Kanter is pretty much the source for complete masters. Didn't get that far on rest but it seems his wheel cylinder price is reasonable if you want bolt in & don't want to chase down adapters and/or different hoses.

Shoes, never got that far on but seem to recall some Ford truck possibilities mentioned - just can't remember if tht was for 47 or for later years.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=24404#forumpost24404

Hadn't noticed the discrepancy but for my own tastes, prefer the 56 styling and refinements. Maybe others do also so there are more wanting to drive and spend money on one from that year. Possibly the early mechanical problems resulted in more being parked or going to scrapyards, and while more made and maybe still out there, are being overlooked because of perceived issues. Being the last of the big ones might have something to do with more people desiring a 56 as well.

I'd be interested in knowing what kind of quirks you found. Had been considering the 12v one with remote control off/on. Held off because reviews on Amazon for just about all the models are all over the place.