I'd like to add air to my 56 Patrician. When I go to websites like antique air I see a lot of hot air about their unit, and only their unit, being perfect for any possible application. Then, when you go to specifics, that seems to be my problem.

Will the Packard a/c bracket work--if I can find one--? Nobody really knows, but probably not.

Where do I get a bracket? Oh you just have one made. Nobody knows really where because Leroy died six years ago and he made mine.....

Where do I get the three ring belt device for the crankshaft? Nobody knows for sure, but maybe cousin Roscoe has one on one of his junkers.

HELLLPPPPPP! Somebody must have put it all together that isn't a defense contractor.....

Suggestions, preferably specific for where to get all the pieces--and which setup is best? Please remember that I am mechanically challenged and will have to have this done.....

Thanks for letting me rant....

"I don't see the need, the standard generator has enough output to cover all normal needs, including A/C."

Not meaning to be disrespectful, but if this is the case why the interest in alternators?

I'm think a/c at some point (hopefully without waiting for my lottery ticket...} and am under the impression that an alternator is critical....

Quick quote from justdashes was $950. I expected it to be noticeably more.....

the vinyl skin used when vacuum forming is different than normal vinyl upholstery roll goods. The compound has something like ABS included so that it sets after forming. There is no scrim (woven backing). Get this type of sheet if you can before trying to do it. The back foam is two component urethane - I don't advise trying to do that as it involves mixing isocynate.

Not trying to precisely imitate the original procedure, which seems fairly impractical for a DIY project. Just looking to do the best practical job possible, which is why I asked for specifics, if possible.

Where would I find peel and stick foam suitable for such a project? (That seems to be what was suggested......)

Special thanks to Owen_Dyneto; that's the sort of help I need here.

In a discussion from about three years ago, someone noted that a good job of restuffing can be done with sheet foam after heating the vinyl.

I was recently quoted a thousand dollars to redo my padded dash, which included a new sheet metal stuffing. I don't know either.

If you have had a go at this, how did you do it and what (as exactly as possible) did you use? Did it work well, great, so-so or..............

I looked at justdashes, which looks extremely expensive since I could find no mention of price.

At those prices I'd like to try this--and I'd like it to work well the first time.

Ideas? Specifics? I assume the original used a cast pad, which seems extremely hard to do. Based on looking things over, it seems to me to key on the front edge, which probably needs to be both stiff and flexible. Can't help but wonder about taking a knife to those kids foam pool sticks and wedging them on the leading edge to firm up the pad, then firm but thin padding on the rest?????????????

Thanks. Some people just have to have something "official" to see: this should do it.

Took my car into a strange service place due to a low tire and had quite a spirited discussion over putting it on the rack.

Is there anything I can print and put in the glove box to show such people? They clearly thought I was nuts---and they may be right---look what I'm driving........

They ended up very reluctantly using a floor jack on the frame; not sure they understood what a frame is/was either.....

These are great leads, for which thanks to all!

I still would appreciate guidance about where and how you placed the seat belt mounting bolts, as well as whether you applied undercoating or caulk to the exposed nut/washers etc........

Thanks again. My confidence level is only so-so and I do not wish to screw up the car......

56 Patrician. My wife wants seat belts or else....and it seems a good safety thing to do. Can anyone suggest what lengths I need, considering that some of our friends are definitely plus sized? Does anyone have mounting and/or vendor suggestions,

Also thinking that the flex brake lines are how old, so replacement seems prudent. I don't need authentic materials: I want safety as reasonably as is prudent.

Much thanks!

You did notice that rocker panels appear to be shot? Put me off.......