Re: The time has come the walrus said to talk of A/C vendors?

Posted by Reyman R. Branting On 2011/4/13 0:46:07

I have a Vintage Air unit in my 55 400. It has the Sanden compressor, etc. Vintage will send a mockup of their under dash units at a comparatively low cost. I didn't take advantage of the offer, but I should have. The glove box door swings down under the dash and hits the evaporator. Haven't decided how to compensate or possibly replace the unit. The hump is too high for adequate clearance and the attaching bolts also interfere.

I bought the pulley and mount from Nordstrom. It was, indeed, designed for the Golden Hawk. It works fine, but the clearance between the compressor and the right front fender is minimal. I sawed off the "ear" on the compressor closest to the fender for additional clearance. When I install the next one, I hope to make a wooden mockup of the mount, then have it welded up. Don't know if it will be any cheaper, but it would put the compressor nearer the center of the car.

The professional installer I bought the unit through strongly advised a healthy size alternator to handle the current draw of the unit. (You can buy direct without going through a dealer. I suspect the price is the same either way.) When you add up the demands of headlights, radio, AC fan, etc., the battery will get weak in a hurry at idle with a generator. The professional did not install the unit, incidentally. He was not familiar with Packards and would not quote a firm price, or even a ball park price. I don't hesitate to have my regular mechanic do T & M work, but not folks I just met. My mechanic does AC work, so he installed it. Did a very neat job, too.

Good luck and cool driving.

Bernardi