Re: 1956 Clipper Hot Rod

Posted by BH On 2009/10/2 8:35:36

In the absence of any documentation showing that AC fuel pumps were factory install, I'd say it was more likely the AC was an aftermarket replacement or something that someone found would work. While I've seen a few single-action AC pumps installed on the V8s, I've seen far more Carters.

Keep in mind that its been over 50 years since the last Packard V8 rolled off the line, and as the dealer network evaporated for Packard and then Studebaker, owners turned to the independent shops. Fuel pump service was about as common as that for a starter, generator, or water pump, and you'll often find application listings in aftermarket catalogs for vehicles where the supplier was NOT the OE source. Beyond that, I've found a lot of cars cobbled up with whatever an ill-informed owner or mechanic could lay their own hands on, just to get by.

I haven't looked closely at one of these kits in several years, but it could be that there are some alternate parts for variations in design. I do seem to recall some leftover parts from the one or two rebuild kits that I picked up from Studebaker vendors, but it had everything I needed to do the job right.

The only kit I'm seeing on eBay right now for a Carter pump is in a Ford box (eBay item #290354892889) - fits 1967-1970 390 and 428 engines. It looks awfully similar, but the diaphragms that came out of the pumps used on Packard V8s weren't notched/tabbed between the bolt holes like that. Neither were the ones in the OE kits or those from Stude vendors that I've used. I don't know if I'd bet my money on that Ford kit when kits that are known to work are available from the usual vendors at similar prices.