Re: Today's Packard Mystery - Rear Defroster

Posted by HH56 On 2016/2/1 14:46:51

Only way I know to test is by pulling a vacuum and closing the evaporator off to see if it holds. In addition to the pump and charging hose setup you would need custom plugs or fittings to connect to the evaporator.

Unless there are signs on the evaporator it could have corroded or some obvious damage it is probably in good condition. They made them a lot more robust in those days compared to the thin metal used today. If it has been open to air then at the least I think I would flush with one of the special flush kits before connecting to any other tubing.

Other than the flush I would just go ahead and hook everything up and let the AC place that does the charging etc do a vacuum test on the system. The fittings would be there and whoever did the charging would probably either have the means of fixing or else be in a position to figure out what modern could replace the evaporator if there was a leak.

I believe the original lines were probably copper but that would be the expensive option today. I did the 47 with ready made lengths of aluminum AC tubing but hoses are easier to work with and rear hose kits are available from several of the aftermarket AC places. IMO, hoses under the car are more subject to damage and heat than metal tubing. I would at the least keep them as far away from exhaust as possible and run them in as protected a location you can find.