Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

My " new" '52 Packard sedan has the heater controls to the left of the steering column. One of the settings is identified as " air ". Am I correct in assuming that that opens a vent? I don't see any sign of an air conditioner.

I'm a bit confused. The 52 controls should be on the right of column. 2 compound operation levers side by side and both have air settings on the top half. What they do is open a flapper valve in the air ducts to provide outside air thru the vents under dash at your feet. The lower half section of the levers controls heater temp on the left lever and heat/defrost on the right. Factory AC wasn't available until 53 and was a trunk unit. Outside air ducts on that was controlled by a knob on package shelf.

There is a 52 owners manual explaining operation available for download here

55-6 had the air levers on the left of column and heat/defrost controls on the right side. They work the same but Packard separated the layout to distinct functions. If your 52 above was a typo and control is on the left then owners manuals for 55 or 56 are also available in the literature section. The only factory AC function on the air levers those years was a position added at the bottom of the left lever labeled "cold". It allowed the AC to have fresh or recirculated air.

The "AIR" location on the heater controls for the '51-'56 cars would indeed be for allowing fresh air from the outside into the car by way of the vents located on the bulkhead above the front foot wells. The left lever for driver side and the right one for passenger side. I would check first, though, in the engine area to make sure there are the flexible tubes (like dryer vent tubing) connecting the round, metal vent tubes together or your likely to get engine fumes inducted into the car while driving.