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

Posted by HH56 On 2018/6/30 10:27:51

Wasn't it James Hollingsworth Packard that ran a 12 volt battery in the trunk for AC

Was his entire AC on 12v or did the blower have 6v and the compressor clutch was running off the 12v battery? I have read of at least one unit splitting the voltage because the original 6v compressor or clutch had died and doing the trunk battery for the Sanden compressor replacement was the best option but don't know if the Hollingsworth car was it. There is a car in AZ that has a 12v battery only for AC with it's own alternator driven off the second groove of the compressor pulley to keep charged. The dual voltage scenario is what I am contemplating now on mine by using the early 50s Mopar generator and a small alternator on the end in place of the PS pump.

On high speed the average AC blower will pull 10-15 amps and some can go higher so battery drain could be an issue for long trips (or short ones over several days if there is no aux charging between uses). I would suggest using a deep cycle battery if going the approach of running the entire AC off the battery and charging it afterward.