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

Posted by flackmaster On 2018/6/28 21:58:21

First, This IS the most active Packard forum in the interplanetary Packard universe.
Second, yes, most likely adding Vintage Air will require converting to 12V. It is a fact that you CAN operate a compressor clutch on 6V, but there is not much in 6V fan plenums. Also updating to 12V will allow you to add a proper auxiliary cooling fan, and maybe even a couple more modern conveniences. There have been plenty of discussions dealing with 12V conversions on this site, as well as many other vintage car sites, that is to say its not a Packard specific transition.
Furthermore, No, to my knowledge pre-war A/C conversions on otherwise stock cars are few and far between, but they are out there. Locally I know of a 37-120 running Vintage Air and 12V. That owner is not on this forum, but I could put you in touch with him, though he did not do the installation, nor is he mechanically inclined.
As to your installation, I strongly suspect the key will be where and how to mount the compressor. You will have to custom fab the mounting, obviously. I have a plate for a 41-120 compressor and I may have a double groove pulley, I will check.
You may also want to consider a pressurized radiator, and a custom fan shroud...just speculating here...but my personal 998 experience would suggest the cooling system would thank you.