Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Does anyone have a photo they can post of an original 55-56 AC compressor bracket?

Thanks,
Robert.

Cast iron, actually integral to and forms crankcase bottom of Leheigh compressor. In the picture "top", the idler pulley is shown 180 reversed.

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HH56,

Great pictures! My sincere thanks for posting these.

Regards,
Robert.

Here's some more, in situ

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Great pics Mr. Pushbutton! I love the factory A/C switch on the dash.

Thanks for taking the time to post these.

Regards,
Robert.

Very interesting. I have a unit from a '56 which was a flat fabricated steel bracket and the separate Lehigh compressor bolted to it. Has anyone seen this version?

BTW, Compressor and bracket is for sale for $150 if anyone needs it. Compressor is clean externally and the bracket has been sandblasted.

thnx, jack vines

Jack -

Foolish question - how does the Lehigh compressor compare to a modern compressor in performance? I'm about to put a Vintage Air Conditioner in a 55 400. The compressor is smaller and would mount on the passenger side of the engine as the mounting hardware was designed to fit under a Golden Hawk hood. It sounds as if the stuff you have would permit mounting the compressor on top of the center of the engine. "Don't know how that would affect the oil filler, but it is an 0interesting thought.

Bernardi--I don't know anyone with an operable stock 55-56 A/C system using the OE Lehigh compressor. There was a very nice '56 400 at Warren with the nicest looking system, but I never saw the owner with the car to ask if and how the system worked. Robert Fordyce (sp?) in upstate NY has that absolutely stunning '56 Patrician in Norwegian forest green (my car's color) and I think his system works. most of the guys I have seen with operable A/C systems are using the Sanden compressor. It is compact, highly dependable, and works. I just saw Dwight Heinmuller's '4 Patrician with the trunk mounted evap/fan unit--he uses the Sanden compressor and is very happy with it.
I don't doubt that the Lehigh unit could be made to work, anyhing can with enough time/$$$$$, but I would worry about how much freon it would lose over the years. The Lehigh compressor uses a two-piece machined (lapped) seal, with two components that spin against each other. I have a friend who is a retired referigeration mechanic. I asked him about Lehigh systems, he wasn't overly impressed.
I just wish that Packard had purchsed the GM-Harrison cylindrical compressor that GM made for 27 years with little modification--that is my favorite unit, they just work!

here's a rare part from my collection

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Here is an outfit that rebuilds the Lehigh V-93 compressor

classicautoair.com/factoryford.htm


other then this, the Lehigh company/product is all but invisable on the web. I was once told that those compressors were heavily used in deli type meat refigeration showcases, more so than cars. Other than Packard the only car I am aware of that used these units was Rolls Royce.