Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I am wanting to add AC to my car which is a 40 coupe with a 53{288ci} engine. My main concern is mounting the compressor which will require other modifications. Has someone done this and are proud of the results. I live in Florida and sure would like a cool car. Thanks, Steve 407 947 9831

I'm going to be doing exactly that sometime soon on my '48, and was thinking of using the front three head bolts on the driver's side of the head, as well as the oil filter mounting brackets to mount the compressor. I'm sure you'd have to make a bracket, unless you can find a stock compressor mount somewhere. I'd like to see some pics of a stock system so I can replicate it, and maybe offer knock offs to those who want to add a/c. As for the compressor and the evaporator, a small import Sanden compressor would be really nice, (I'd have to get rid of the stock 1/2" wide belt setup on the '48 though, or adapt some kind of additional pulley arrangement) and a Vintage Aire type under dash evaporator would be easy to do. The hardest part is mounting a compressor.

Here's Packards official brackets.

First is the pre war implementation --probably the 356 version with last one showing how a Sanden adapter could be used on something similar. Second are poor quality picts of a 54 bracket and idlers.

There are some picts of other nicely custom made flat 8 brackets on site here from a discussion late last year--early this but don't remember the thread name.

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My plan for doing this on my '54 that does not have power steering is to use the 51-54 power steering pump brackets, and power steering bolt on crank pulley, and also use a Sanden compressor. Obviously if you have power steering, then this wont work. But the idea here is to mount the compressor where the power steering pump would have normally mounted on cars that were equipped with it.

This will keep it looking as stock as possible without the rube-goldberg setup of the original 53/54 A/C.

As Eric said the engine setup is the hardest part. Once you have that figured out, there are many options for the interior evaporators.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2046&forum=12&post_id=19448#forumpost19448

See link in post #3 about he icyball. I still think the icyball is the best way to go.

It's starting to look like the easiest way to go is to use the Ford dampener and run everything with a serpentine belt. I'm thinking I just might have to explore this option.


As for the "icyball", Keith, that's not one of your more brilliant contributions!

It sounds like something an Eskimo would suffer from!

Abstract away from the name of the system and look at just the concept.

Instead of 2wo balls filled with Ammonia, run SS lines along and up close to the exhaust manifold to provide the heat to charge the ammonia.

This would eliminate the need to mount or drive a pump. It would also provide air conditioning when the engine is OFF for about 1 hour during real hot weather while engine is still hot.

I took a photo of an AC compressor on a 1940 Super Eight at the 56th Texas Tour. Maybe this photo will be of some help. It is in the Car Show Pictures.

Thanks again for your in-put. I am trying to locate the crank pully for two belts but no luck so far. Steve

I am not familiar with the iceball system. Do you wish to provide more information? Thanks Steve