Yes it's a hose from the open end to fp. Don't understand question on photo #2, it goes neither in or outboard of shock, as it is shown it goes to the rear of shock then descends in rear of crossmember

Looks like a beauty, is the front seat upholstery original?

I would think that a faster flow would create a more turbulent condition inside the radiator. Does not square with the noted A/C water pumps having smaller impellers/ fewer vanes??

Many owners do not report cooling problems with the 48=54 cars so the factory design would likely be sufficient. In those cars that have a cooling problem it is my feeling that although "everything has been checked out" there is something that has been overlooked.

When using an infrared thermometer have you checked various areas of the block, especially around the rear cylinders where deposits build up inside? Have you had the cooling fluid analyzed for combustion gases?? Inexpensive kits are available Checked impeller clearance?? Timing/vac advance checked and double checked??

Interesting info on other brands water pumps. Most makes use the same pump with or without A/C, here are the ones we know of that differ.

53-62 Olds V8- A/C has bigger diam bearing, impeller has more vanes 8 vs 6

59-66 Buick A/C has fewer vanes

58-66 Plym 318 V8- A/C has smaller diam impeller

Inconsistent??? On the Buick and Plym there would be lower flow allowing the water to remain in the radiator longer and have a longer time to cool. On the other hand,. the water remains in the block longer giving it more time to heat up.
OLds seems to be backwards?? As far as I know none of these cars had an overheating problem, if there was one they would have changed something during the long span of coverage.

Big mystery to me??

Last I checked this was a Packard forum but I've been in Canada for 4 days.

Garrett, nice to see you back

The use of a 140 t-stat will result in a buildup of sludge in the oil pan due to condensation in it not evaporating. I suggest using a 180 and observe cooling abilities, an easy experiment.

When a car is equipped with A/C it gets a larger capacity/size radiator and when it runs at idle it does not heat up more.

Exactly what is the "problem" with cooling at idle?

A hint here, Mrs. Appleton's first name was Lorraine. \give me a week , I'll check my stuff.

new cars have torque to yield bolts, they stretch and cannot be reused. old cars have bolts that can be reused as long as they have not been overtorqued.. i'v rblt many cad/pack engines, only replaced bolts if threads have been damaged.

disregard if running nitrous in your 282 or over 12,000 rpm

The POR will do an excellent job of keeping the underside and top of the floor preserved. The inside of the roof looked very nice, in fact I've only once seen a rusty inside on my limo which had a cloth top that retained water. Painting the inside will give your arms good exercise but not much else.