Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

In conjunction with another post I was looking thru the 41 dealer accessories list and saw an accessory item labeled Thermostat, heater 110-120 and Thermostat, heater 160-180. Both were less than $2.00 but what were they? Something that was different and installed in place of the regular engine thermostat or something that was only controlling the temp of the heater core similar to the thermostatic valve intro'd in 22nd series.

Howard, might they have been the higher temperature thermostats to take advantage of the then new permanent type anti-freeze and pressurized systems? Prior to the permanent type, an alcohol type anti-freeze solution was used. Its boiling point was relatively low and thermostats in the 140F range were commonly used. Also, non-pressurized systems were common until the late 1930s.

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John, at the price I kind of had a feeling that it might be higher temp thermostats. Just struck me odd they would call them out as an accessory rather than just an ordinary service item. I guess if you bought a heater and wanted it to work well you bought a higher heat thermostat to go with it.

Howard, I think you have it figured out. Before high temp thermostats there were other offerings to try and get good heat into the passenger compartment. Gas heaters were an accessory add-on, and some vehicles were fitted with hot air heaters, taking hot air from around the exhaust manifold and circulating it into the compartment.

(o{}o)