Re: 1936 Packard 120B Coupe Want to add Air Conditioner

Posted by HH56 On 2018/6/28 19:32:04

Your dedicated Packard forum choices are PAChttp://www.packardclub.org/forum/ AACAhttp://forums.aaca.org/forum/29-packard/ and this forum. In my opinion this one is by far the most active but as summer vacation and meet time is upon us it has slowed a little. You might be able to pick up some pertinent but not Packard specific info on some of the street and rod forums.

I don't recall too many that have posted about adding AC to a prewar model so there is not much "how I did it" info. There are few photos posted and I don't think you will find two exactly alike. I believe one issue you will need to address is how to belt drive the compressor. Nothing bolt on is available that I am aware of so you will be into some fabrication and ingenuity since there is no provision or much space for extra pulleys etc. Ross posted some photos of an easy to make compressor bracket where he has driven the Sanden compressor via a long belt around existing pulleys on postwar 288/327 blocks. I don't know if there is any engine and belt differences that would make it hard to adapt the bracket to your early engine.

The list you made for the 12v conversion is a good one but that is another thing not too many have done on prewars. Many have done it on postwars and the requirements are the same. Several threads are on the forum if you want to do a search. The starter solenoid will change but many have kept the starter at 6v. In my opinion that is an invitation to trouble as several have wound up with cracked starter castings because of the added torque and speed at 12v so I would recommend it also be converted. Don't forget the radio if you have one. The gas gauge can be taken care of with a Runtz regulator. Other than the coil and the need for an added ballast resistor, the rest of ign can stay as is. Fifth Avenue Garage has a booklet on 12v conversion requirements you can order as well as carry a few of the needed components.http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com