Cadillac compressors did not cycle until about 1980. On the 60's era cars, when you moved the temperature lever toward warmer, you'd hear some kind of "hiss" as the air temp changed. Climate control did not have the compressor cycle, either. I still have a '74 Cadillac with working Climate Control (in my family for years) and the compressor is always on, if the CC is on. This was true from '64 up, we had several of these cars and they never iced up, either. Was this bypass in use that long?

You have your hands more than full. We'll try to not be too needy...

The upper bushings on '56 Clippers with standard suspension are the threaded/non rubber variety. I have one and had another in the past. Not sure about the 55's but it would seem a safe bet.

OK. Now I'd like to know what EC included, since XK was the speedo. Also, it is partially covered by the red marker that was used, but in between EC and XH there is P5 (?). It is not PS, that is plainly visible elsewhere.

After scraping along the stamped motor number, I cannot find anything but 5682- 4747. However, I did find something interesting: the bottom layer of paint is Ivory. I used to have a '55 Patrician and this looks VERY familiar. I cannot get to the back of the motor for a casting date, due to health problems. Is there anything on the heads (number wise)that might be of significance? I have the valve covers off at the moment...

My '56 Patrician has EC and XK on the build slip. The XK has a circle drawn around it in red crayon/grease pencil and KILO written above it, as well as RR written (at an angle) after that. The whole sheet is prefixed with 7902. And RO-7902- PB is written on the tape across the bottom of the sheet in the same red marker. The car was, at sometime, "Americanized" as it was built without heaters and with a 4.1 rear axle. It now has heaters and a 3.54 axle. Since this car is so very late in production (5682-4747), it makes me think the order was cancelled and the factory changed the above items. Supposedly, a tool kit came with the EC code but I don't remember where I learned that. There is no record available from the Studebaker Museum.

The '54 with factory air has a different water pump with a longer shaft and the hub may be pressed on. Not sure about the hub but it is different. This might be to extend the fan closer to the rad?

The "Slim Jim" was also used on all full-size Olds from '61-64 but only on Pontiac Catalina/Ventura. The Pontiac Star Chief and Bonneville used the 4 speed "Jetaway."

I have a Gruen wrist watch that belonged to the last Packard dealer here in Birmingham, Alabama- Mr. Leslie Penton. Packard, in the new for '54 script, is on the face in gold. Inscribed on the back is "In appreciation of your contribution to President's month June 1954 J J Nance". President's month was a special push of the Cavalier as Packard had contracted with Briggs Body for a given number of Senior bodies and sales of the Patrician and Cavalier were going too slowly. With the upcoming redesign of the '55 Packard's and the Chrysler takeover of Briggs, there was a dire need to move the cars. Since the Cavalier could be manufactured cheaper, a plan to sell them was conceived and called President's month. Sell enough and you got a gold watch. I bought the watch from Mr. Penton (and was told the story)in the 1970's and treasure the watch and the memories.

Uh, the first post says it's been 3 weeks, not 3 years. At least that's what it is on my computer screen.