Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

has anyone used this reproduction firewall pad? looks like it has a cutout for factory a/c though...which I wouldn't need. seller says this is the only one they have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300798239528?item=300798239528&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr

It looks OK but is cut for fact AC. Also cut for 56 brake pedal. Am curious why it is in two pieces -- unless that is supposed to make it easier to slide in past the steering column in an already put together car. The original is one large piece. One thing to consider. There is nothing much to support that corner piece at the top where it meets the large section. Believe there is one fastener, a grommet and one edge of the fresh air vent that would go thru. I don't know if it would tend to work loose or not. Price seems good and it says it is the original cardboard material so might be worth a shot.

The other option is Quiet Ride and theirs costs a bit more. The one I bought from them was a decent repro except the face material was molded out of an ABS type plastic covering instead of the original patterned cardboard

Howard.... Again you amaze me and have come through! I like quiet rides better to be honest, I think the abs is worth the extra cost.

Also looks like they reproduce the heater box. Did you get one of those as well? Did it have all the flaps in it etc?? My box is usable but pretty tired.

I did not get the heater part. With the fact AC, heater box is eliminated and heat ducting is actually part of the AC box.

Aaahhhh, yes. Ac. Dur! I forgot.

I plan to call the about the box, because if it's an exact match it'll save me a ton of trouble. I couldn't build one better for the price they list.

here is what was sent to me by quietride for the heater plenum. this does NOT look right to me. am I seeing something wrong here?

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The 52-54 they have also written on the box is more likely. IIRC, those go over the hump so would need that shape. 51-4 defroster hose comes directly off the metal heater outlet instead of the box. That open side connecting to the metal box looks big though. Maybe not Packard??

As shown here, the 55-56 boxes are flat with defroster outlets on top and the diverter flapper built in..

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I have sent them an email back with pictures of the 55-56 so they can see the difference. I even offered to send them mine so they could make a correct repo of the 55-56.

we will see what they say. thanks again HH, I didn't even notice the 52-54...only the 55-56 in the middle.

Hi cli55er, did you end up with the right heater plenum?

What options are out there for a good replacement of the heater plenum for 56?

My original cardboard one is not very useable.


Cheers
Russ

One option is that I could walk down to my cellar and pull one off the shelf, check it, and send it to you. Will make sure I have a good one today.