I think you have pretty much nailed your options, and I don't think there will be much choice.

Anything made mid to late 50's on will require 12v. I know of no 6v clutches other than lucking out on ebay or a junkyard. Chances of just a clutch fitting a modern unit might not be too good either so then the compressor it comes with will probably have to be rebuilt. Depending on compressor there is the high possibility there are no rebuild parts available (example is original Lehigh 55-6 Packard setup).

Assuming clutch issue resolved, then the blower motor would have to be changed. While 6 v motors available, maybe not for the unit you wind up with without considerable work. Think $ for that.

Turbopackman has mentioned a Ford damper assy many times on the forum so that and bracket with necessary idler (which can be fabricated) are least of worries with modernish -again, just $.

I guess longwinded me is thinking that the only options you have is find a COMPLETE 6v unit from junkyard or ebay and spend to fix it up or convert to 12v and get a more modern unit. I know there are voltage converters/doublers available to run radios etc but seriously doubt anything large enough for an AC would be found or practical.

The trunk vs front is personal preference. The front obviously will cool you quicker and to my mind, better.

EDIT: Out of curiosity I did a quick search for 6v compressor clutch and found several other car clubs & members (Ford, Chry etc) wanting to do the same as you. Consensus is all 6v units had no clutch--just removed belts in winter. That brings up a whole new set of things to think about--like temperature regulation. With no clutch, hot gas bypass was the method (53-4 Packard) so again options slim because those parts are about as hard to find as clutches and compressor pieces.

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My experience has been that those two items can cause no end of problems and expensive ones at that!

HH56: That is a very good suggestion, and pretty easy to do too. It could be under the body and behind the tank and simply be painted black, OR if I get the right idea, maybe some sort of "nerf bar" setup.

I can't believe how clean that rear end looks in the photoshop image above, after the big bumper is removed.

Jim G

Only thing I hope you do in the rear is add something between the frame rails to have a little more than sheet metal between the gas tank and the person behind you that didn't stop in time.

I am literally using my '52 Packard 200 as my daily driver while my other daily driver, a '55 1st Edition (NOT 2nd Edition!) Chevy pickup gets its new engine and running gear, refreshed body work, and new paint.

I live in Texas where the daily highs have been 100 degrees or thereabouts each and every day for the past 4 weeks straight.

I need to add air conditioning.

Remember that a '52 Packard 200 is both 6 volt and positive ground, and the generator makes only 45 amps at 6 volts.

What's the best way to add AC, taking a long term view?

Convert from 6 volt positive ground to 12 volt negative as a prerequisite?

Install a period-correct underdash AC unit that also requires me to add a separate heater / defroster?

Install a modern AC unit that we "try" to hid mostly behind the dash (tight!)?

Install a modern unit but in the area under the rear parcel shelf, between back seat and trunk, like Packard did originally from the factory?

Are 6 volt AC compressor clutches even available anywhere?

Where do I get a pulley and bracket arrangement to drive the AC compressor?

How much should I realistically expect to spend, parts and labor, given that I lack ANY / ALL of the skills needed to install an AC system.

etc. etc.

Any wise counsel out there?

Jim G

Yes, I also really like that top middle one, and that is the one that I had had in mind when I posted this thread.

I think I am going to do it, along with the rear bumper removal!

Jim G

I honestly think Ron has said it best. There's nary a problem that can't be solved with a credit card and a hot blonde.....

You didn't mention what year, but here is 51-4. 46-7 roughly same area, 55-6 on rt radiator support almost in front of generator.

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Mal,

Well, hopefully that won't happen with me. I mean, I am driving a little 2 door sports car .

I grew up in Minnesota. The car was my mothers, given to her by my father for christmas 1954. So it has been in MN for awhile. This will be the furthest east the car has ever been (originally a California car)!

Tom

Quote:John,

I'm taking a punt here based on the Forum Name in Packardinfo.com that your name is John. This follows from some recent communications through the PACA Website with John at Appin. If not, I apologise for my assumption.

Anyway, back to the offer, I hope to catch up with Harvey at some stage tomorrow and I'll run things past him then and come back to you if need be. Irrespective could you please let me know, gently if you can, whether I've made the right call on the name?