Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

This isn't a totally new topic, but I found that 3/32, 5/32 and 7/32 ID vacuum/washer hoses provided for a much better fit/grip around the nipples than the 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 ID, respectively, vacuum/washer hoses called in the previous thread regarding this subject. The respective larger sizes were too loose around the nipple to the extent they would not retain their "grip".

It's possible you were sent metric hose. The 32nds sizes are pretty obscure so the common sizes should have worked.

This is what I used for 1/8" for example. I think it's 3mm, which is about 4% too small. But it fits as expected.

amazon.com/dp/B07FCYTHVB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

And 1/4"

amazon.com/dp/B0CM1F1X7R?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I used the 32nd sizes too but I wonder if those sizes were as readily available when Packard or Trico was around. The washer instructions have the conventional measurements listed. Maybe vacuum hose sizes then were nominal and slightly undersized at mfg. Like many other things that seemed to avoid scrutiny or had no regulations, I suspect government hose standards were not quite as "make it like you say it is or face hefty fines" in that period.

The sensible thing would be to have hose exact and oversize the barb/nipple dia. slightly.

But like I said I had no problem with only a 5% reduction in hose dia. off nominal.

I got the 3/16" ID hose from Amazon and when I installed it on the nipple at the co-ordinator there was no resistance, just like it was a skosh too big, loose. Went to NAPA and got a 5/32" that fit nicely with a little grease. The 5/32" ID decimal is .15625", 3.96875 Millimeters. I miked the OD on the co-ordinator nipple, and it was 3/16", .1875 decimal, 4.7625 millimeters. Couldn't measure the ID of the nipple but if its .030" smaller than the OD, the 32nd size makes sense. Talked to NAPA rep and he said all their hoses for vacuum/washers are still measured in inches.

These days, even of it says it’s inches, it is more often than not simply rounded off from metric. However, in this case at least for the 1/8” and 1/4” diameters, the metric 3mm and 6mm would have fit slightly tighter owing to the fact that the metric is very slightly smaller, .118” vs .125” and .236” vs .250”. This would make for a better fit than using the sizes that are 1/32” smaller as that’s a considerable difference.

Howard, was that chart you posted the actual lengths required for a 1956’s wiper/washer?

Quote:
No, those measurements are for 54 and MIGHT work for 55 with the jar on the left fender.

In 56 they moved the jar and pump to below the right fender area so will obviously need longer hoses. While they list the individual 55 and 56 hose part numbers in the parts book, no measurements are given so it would appear you would need to find a Trico sheet for 55 or 56. Probably simpler to just use a tape measure or have rolls or long lengths of the various size tubing handy to cut as needed..

It tends to come in 10ft spools; one of each size should be enough for one car, so I didn't bother with lengths.

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