Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

This post is from my Panther Project but would apply to any 55-56 that needs a new radiator and/or an A/C condenser. It might also apply to 51-54, but I can't speak to that.

Thanks to Keith (PackardV8) for the XREF of the Ford (68 Bronco) aftermarket radiator (#433433 from CarQuest for $144+). I mounted mine somewhat different than him, but YMMV.

The condenser is from Vintage Air and is their "Superflow Monster" condenser (VTA-037030-OVR from Summit.com for $180+) which is appropriate for here in S. NV where temps can reach 115F in the summertime.

Pictures of modifications to the core support and mounting both follow. Actual installation will have to wait until I get the body parts painted and installed.

Craig

The width of the condenser was the driving factor. It is 1-1/2" wider than the Packard or Ford radiator, so this required modifying the core support.

The components: D-side left and the top cross brace has been removed by cutting with a pneumatic cut-off tool. The top of the P-side end has been cut off because of widening the distance between the core support legs by 1-1/2". A shortened end will be welded on later when the fenders are installed. The tubular angle bar has also been removed and will not be used. This modification was ONLY done because the condenser is wider than the opening. If only doing a radiator swap, this is NOT required.



This pic shows the difference in width between a stock core support and the modified one.



This pic shows the cross brace reattached to the core support legs with bolts & nuts. I decided to do this because if the engine ever needs to be removed (knock on wood), a removable cross brace makes removal easier. D-side is shown, P-side is similar.

The condenser mounting:



The radiator mounted to above as an assembly:



The important dimension is from the bottom of the radiator tank to the bottom of the support legs. On my 55 Pat, this was 6-1/4", so that's what I used for Panther.

The upper tank inlet on the Ford is somewhat on the P-side rather than in the middle like the stock radiator. I am also using a specialty thermostat housing with a temperature gauge tube-type sender, so I'll wait until final assembly to figure out the exact hose configuation. A stock lower hose should work however.

Craig

Neat job, I'm sure many here will find it helpful.

Thinking out loud (so to speak): I notice AC condensers are always mounted at the lower end of the radiator. It seems to me it would make more sense to mount them on the upper end. My thinking is that the hot air from the condenser would blow across the top part of the radiator where the hot coolant first starts its cooling trip. This would give the chance for the condenser heated coolant to flow through the radiator before going back into the engine. With the condenser in the lower position, the cooled coolant is reheated with the hot air from the condenser. I'm sure the engineers have determined the lower position is better, but I wonder why that is. The same thinking goes for oil coolers too. Mount them all up high.

(o[]o)

JW Quote:

In this case, the condenser is mounted at the upper end of the radiator, but there really wasn't much choice of either. This side view of the condenser on the support illustrates (top of support & hence the radiator is shown at the bottom of the picture):

Upper hose
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=5042&forum=3&post_id=54120#forumpost54120

I just looked at my upper hose. still has tag on it.
NUmber is 71954CS. Bought it autozone. Not sure what make/model/year it fits. I'll check my book tomorrow.

Going to put this here..

Since I am taking heads off..here is alternator bracket..

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