Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Just a note, the fresh air duct doesn't appear to be of the original type.

Quote:

Kev do you have a photo of the original type you could share? I have seen all over and am not certain what is original.

The glossy and close wire coiled duct in the photo appears to be one of the modern neoprene or PVC based ducts. The original was a dull black relatively thin fabric or canvas treated with something to make the covering somewhat stiff and leakproof. When installed and stretched properly over the barbs in the metal portions, the cloth duct was almost flat with the wire reinforcement coils appearing to be integral with the fabric and only being covered with another narrow strip of the fabric. Coils were spaced about 3/4 to 1 inch apart. Merritt and Heinmuller used to sell the original type but no idea if that is still the case and both were somewhat pricy.

I think about the closest small quantity retail option anyone has found lately that resembles the old stuff and from reports is decently priced is the Flexaust product Steve (58L8134) found from the organ supply company. Mike posted buying info when he tried the product but no idea if info is still current and a couple of posts later, a photo of the heater fresh air duct option in his 47 Clipper. The photo shows the material with the somewhat flat and dull rough fabric finish even in an unstretched state. The Clipper option used the 3" diameter duct whereas the ducting in later cars is 5".

This is a reproduction fresh air vent duct that I bought from Packards International many moons ago for the '54. As Howard said, it is a coated fabric over a metal wire vs modern corrugated plastic dryer vent.




PI has long stopped selling it with most of their other projects, but Dwight was selling it at one time. I am showing that his website (PackardParts.org) is suspended for some reason. So I couldn't check if he still is. It might be worth a call to him.