Here is an outfit that rebuilds the Lehigh V-93 compressor

http://classicautoair.com/factoryford.htm


other then this, the Lehigh company/product is all but invisable on the web. I was once told that those compressors were heavily used in deli type meat refigeration showcases, more so than cars. Other than Packard the only car I am aware of that used these units was Rolls Royce.

Guess I will post this here also to see if anyone of you know.

I just got in from HB priming the rumble seat lid, the top part of the hood, golf door and cowl vent. Was going to do doors also but ran out of primer. Time to order some more.

I have a question to anyone that does this for a living how much primer, paint is used in painting a car like mine?

I have gone through a 1 3/4 gallon epoxy primer and 1 gallon of HB primer. The HB build was just the doors, two top pieces of the hood, rumble seat lid, golf door and cowl vent. Not all pieces have had the final HB on them either.

here's a rare part from my collection

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Bernardi--I don't know anyone with an operable stock 55-56 A/C system using the OE Lehigh compressor. There was a very nice '56 400 at Warren with the nicest looking system, but I never saw the owner with the car to ask if and how the system worked. Robert Fordyce (sp?) in upstate NY has that absolutely stunning '56 Patrician in Norwegian forest green (my car's color) and I think his system works. most of the guys I have seen with operable A/C systems are using the Sanden compressor. It is compact, highly dependable, and works. I just saw Dwight Heinmuller's '4 Patrician with the trunk mounted evap/fan unit--he uses the Sanden compressor and is very happy with it.
I don't doubt that the Lehigh unit could be made to work, anyhing can with enough time/$$$$$, but I would worry about how much freon it would lose over the years. The Lehigh compressor uses a two-piece machined (lapped) seal, with two components that spin against each other. I have a friend who is a retired referigeration mechanic. I asked him about Lehigh systems, he wasn't overly impressed.
I just wish that Packard had purchsed the GM-Harrison cylindrical compressor that GM made for 27 years with little modification--that is my favorite unit, they just work!

Might you mean Bob Aller, retired service manager from Packard-St. Louis as I recall? He did my pump and several others.

I'm not aware of hearing ever of any problems with the L-head eight oil pumps sucking air, though the stories of that on the V8 are certainly plentiful.

Well I was just browsing Ebay this evening and came across a vendor selling replacement front Packard floor pans for 51-56. They were $90 a side. I will let everyone know how they looks compared to my swiss-cheesed originals when they arrive.

I had to let the vendor know which year, and model I had. So I think he has different ones and is NOT a one size fits all kinda thing. I am not sure if these are old replacement stock, or new stampings.

I figure buying pre-made floor pans for $90 a side, is way cheaper than trying to make my own, or paying someone to do it for me.

Jack -

Foolish question - how does the Lehigh compressor compare to a modern compressor in performance? I'm about to put a Vintage Air Conditioner in a 55 400. The compressor is smaller and would mount on the passenger side of the engine as the mounting hardware was designed to fit under a Golden Hawk hood. It sounds as if the stuff you have would permit mounting the compressor on top of the center of the engine. "Don't know how that would affect the oil filler, but it is an 0interesting thought.

Clipper 47-
Thanks for the information. I'll look up Seafoam on the net.
The lifter problems I've experienced were all apparently the result of the oil pump sucking air and forming foam. That was on a couple of 55 V8's in the fifties. My most recent acquisition is also a 55. It had clicking valves, too. Rep[laced the mains and the oil pump with one rebuilt by Fred Aller. Haven't been able to drive it far enough so far to determine if the problem is solved.

Bernardi

This was my first year going to Hershey. The only word that comes to mind is overwhelming. Did find a couple of parts that I was looking for, but man there is just so much ground to cover. After trudging around all day Friday and a couple of hours Saturday, I still didn't see it all.
I was watching the local news late news on Friday and they had a story about the Hershey show. It seems that the show is in some danger. Land prices in the Harrisburg/Hershey area have skyrocketed over the past coupe of years and there is pressure to sell the parking area. The city would like to keep the show, it generates a staggering amount of revenue in just a few days.

Robert,

Going back to your original post, how did you at going finding accommodation? And was it at a reasonable price and reasonable distance from the action?

Reason I ask is I hope to make it there one year in the not too distant future.