Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

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Certainly looks like a better starting point -- if those few spots mentioned mean it's not all rusted out like a few of the sellers "barn finds" from last few weeks. At least the buy it now price is more reasonable -- but still a tad high IMHO.

It is aftermarket air but which one is a question. Photos not large enough for details. Appears to be hang on and not trunk for a change. Believe most of these "Packard factory air" claims are more likely dealer installed units. So far most have been the ARA trunk unit or possibly the made for S-P trunk unit which came to light a few weeks ago.

Real 55 factory air would have had a big blower taking up the back drivers side corner of engine compt & a box up under the dash with vents thru the pad like that well equipped but thoroughly rusted out Patrician of a few weeks ago.

I wonder what the two buttons(?) are on the drivers side dash under the ash tray?

Good eye. Do look like buttons don't they. Can't think of many things a button would work except a starter or maybe a version of manual level control. Perhaps the car will change hands and a new owner will come on board asking about them.

Notice how far back that AC grill is under the glovebox. Looks like it maybe has two circular openings but doesn't appear to be very adjustable. For the era, seems small so probably the kind that uses a fan instead of a blower. Be nice to know the brand and more details. Too bad something like it is not around anymore for those that are trying to hang one of today's larger units.

I like the '51 Pelican.

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Definitely quick way to spot mis-represented "factory air" is missing dash pad vents.

The AC outlets in the pic are under the dash, so apparently this is not a trunk-mounted unit with vents in the rear. Pic of trunk would confirm this.

It would definitely be interesting to see how this modification was accomplished, as it is the style of aftermarket install that would be done today, albeit an old unit. How everything was installed and routed would possibly give a good template for a modern install.

It appears the car sold for slightly over 3K -- or at least the price box said there was a winning bid. Maybe the new owner will join us and fill in the blanks.

Looks like a typical hang on aftermarket unit from the hose routing -- out of compressor to a clamp on fender and then to an opening on the firewall by the heater. Have not found a picture of any evaporator unit exactly like it though. S-P had one in 58 models that looks somewhat similar but the S-P grill appears to have larger squares in the round opening -- and I think it is deeper. One thing I am curious about is the chromish box on top of compressor. Is it part of the unit or not.

WOuld u say that chrome box is big enuf for a coupl'a sparking plugs???? HD had a spark plug holder accessory identicle to it from about 1948 up thru 1970. They were not real popular tho. Not too many people bought them.

I have one and it's identicle to the one in the pic.

On second look, the HD plug box had a small acorn nut directly in the top center of chrome cover. I do not see such a nut on the chrome box in the pic.