Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Gents,

Finally got around to reassembling and installing my heater core box last weekend. Sand blasted, primed and painted and good hopefully for another 52 years! The core itself was fine and did not require anything. Still has the original factory markings.

The insulation material that was originally used on the heater core supply and return pipes crumbled when disassembled. I used standard copper tubing insulation upon reassembly. Not a color match but the price was right.

Regards,
Robert.

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Looking very nice!

Did the 55/56 heater box bolt in from the outside? Or did you have to loosen in from the underside of the dash?

John Thanks!

Kev,

The 56 is all bolted from the firewall. 3 bolts and one screw. Nothing was needed to be done from under the dash for removal.

Regards,
Robert.

Is that the same for all the 55/56's? My '54 requires a visit into the spider zone I call "under the dash" to remove the heater box.

55-6 all same, 51-4 and slightly different 48-50 have a spider zone. Haven't tried but might be possible to mount 55-6 on earlier with some work. Were your inside bolts as rusted as the first one I took apart. Like to never got it off.

Hi Kip

Thanks for the tips on the installation of the core, a supurb job and plenty of detail for the novices like me. I have a core and valve assy that came with the car I recently bought, so I suspect a previous owner had detected a problem with the old one, ...and so it is listed as job to do.

Is the black colour used full gloss or a semi gloss for the fittings in the engine bay? I am about to do a full engine bay refurb over the next 3 months and it would be good to get it right first time.

Regards

Russ,

Thanks for the kind words. Fortunately, mine was working fine when removed so it was just a matter of restoring and reassembling.

As for the color, I prefer the gloss black but I have seen many that look great with the semi-gloss. Not sure what is "correct" so you may want to get additional input from forum members.

Good luck with your project....I am two-plus years into my three month engine refurb ;)

Regards,
Robert.

Robert,
How was/is the heater core secured to the heater box? Mine was in pieces when I got my car and I want to make sure it goes back together properly? Also, was there any other insulation other than what you put on the pipes?
Thanks,
John