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In the last photo, I believe the other diaginal brace (left cowl to right front) was there but with a bend to clear the compressor

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This is the mystery compressor Flackmaster would appreciate any info on. At this point we both think it is probably a commercial unit rather than one adapted for car use like the Packard compressor but if anyone can identify it otherwise, please do so.

One wild thought I had is if it was in a vehicle could it have been a Henney application. Has anyone ever seen one of those early Henney installations?

Reading in the complete Henney history book the author says on the first AC equipped ambulances and funeral cars introduced in 38 by Henney, they used an ordinary commercial Trane refrigeration unit which was bolted under the rear compartment floor. Compressor was belt driven and powered by a 110v motor which got its power from a 110v generator operated by the engine. After Packard brought the Bishop & B unit out then Henney transitioned over to that system. Henney actually sold a few of the early AC equipped vehicles and some went to Texas.

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HH,
I don't know these compressors, so have some questions.

Did the compressors mount to a bracket that mounted to the block, or was the base of the compressor the bracket that mounted to the block, like the V8 factory A/C compressors?

David's compressor pictures, it looks like the base that bolts down, is not a solid as the one that is on the car.

I remember Jim Hollingsworth collecting A/C parts, but it's been too long ago to make any comparisons.

The early compressors did mount to a separate bracket. From what I've read they used an ordinary commercial compressor originally for walk in freezer applications. It did have a different pulley than the regular units. There was an article that also said it possibly had some internal changes to better accommodate the varying engine speeds but no specifics were given so that statement is more a question.

The stamped sheetmetal type base on Dave's compressor does not look the same as what is shown in the various 40-42 car photos. Those mounts appear to be much stronger and look like integral castings on the narrow sides of the body.

AFAIK, all the V8 Lehighs from the factory did have the cast type mount which actually formed part of the compressor. Aftermarket companies used a Lehigh with a thin stamped base very similar to that one shown on Dave's early compressor. It bolted to a flat bracket which was not much more than welded up 1/4 steel plate.

Most of those compressors are on the right side of engine leaving the filter in the regular spot but there are some photos of the same type bracket in the regular factory spot and oil filter relocated like a factory install. Some even with the blower in front so you know it is a factory dash unit. Some owners with factory air and the stamped base compressor setup said their cars were original. On the cars with original true factory dash units there is the question of did Packard or Stude go to that stamped mount in the last days or are the units with the different base a service replacement or maybe the car could have had aftermarket repairs.

Here is a 40-42 right side of engine style bracket. Believe this one is a repro of a 40 version. Other photo is an ARA application of he stamped base Lehigh compressor.

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From Fred Mauck's collection:

Contains part numbers, diagrams, etc.

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Nice. If you find some info on the Clipper and particularly illustrations or photos of the internals of trunk unit or what might have changed on the engine when they moved the compressor sure would like to see it posted.

Looks like a refrigerator compressor. I have one something similar to this.
John

They were. Basicall adapted to fit in a car.