1954 Hudson A/C

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject: 1954 Hudson A/C

www.gallery.route66ram...temId=5507

Comments?
[img]http://www.gallery.route66rambler.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5512&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:13 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

www.gallery.route66ram...temId=5500

Rear fender air intakes?
[img]http://www.gallery.route66rambler.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5470&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

www.gallery.route66ram...temId=5479

Note chrome A/C controls on bottom of dash.
[img]http://www.gallery.route66rambler.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5484&g2_serialNumber=2[/img]

51hornet · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

I think it looks good though I doubt I would put those fender scoops on my 54 Hollywood.

Dealer installed option.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Although the control panel and knobs do appear to match the theme of the dash design, it does appear to have been a dealer installed option. If A/C were offered by the factory, some form of documentation (shop manual, parts book, brochures, etc.) would exist to support same.

I agree on the rear fender blow holes. Since I always use my A/C on recirculate, I would have gone with a supply on either side of the package shelf and a return in the center or below the rear seat.

51hornet · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Those plexiglass tubes are also an eye sore. Yes I have seen that type of double toggle with the lines made by other manufacturers. That kit was made and had a switch matching option. My fogs are like that the switch and housing are identical to my other switchs.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Especially the plastic tubes that have yellowed over the years...yuk! I have a chrome plated control panel that mounts below the dash. It has provisions marked for Gas Tank Lock, Fog Lights and Rear Wiper.

Zephyrmec · Hornet Joined: Aug 19, 2007 Posts: 623

Frigidaire aftermarket unit, I've seen them on Packards of that era. That's a sweet setup. (far better than a Western Auto Swamp Cooler)

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Do you know if the Frigidaire compressors used a 6v magnetic clutch or if you had to install/remove the belt as needed. Although the supplies look a little weird, the only things that bothers me are the fender intakes. Swamp/evaporative coolers were meant for dry desert climates, unless you want the interior of your car to be cool and damp. Then, you could age wheels of fine cheese as you drive. Laughing

51hornet · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

They ran permanently you had to remove the belt. Yup Moes right we worked on those units on Packards. They worked really nice.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Oh, darn! Now I'll have to design and manufacture 6v clutch coils. Sad

I loved the old Freon systems. I had a 65 Pontiac with A/C that I pumped up a tad. You could see your breath while driving. Now that's cold.

Pacemaker500 · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Would one of y'all or y'ins be so kind as to explain how these worked?

Were the compressors attached to engine or run electrically in the trunk?

Dave53-7C · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

The compressor was mounted to the engine and driven by it. Before the magnetic clutch was invented, you had to physically install/remove the belt that drove it. The condensor was in front of the grill and the evaporator was in a 6v fan coil unit mounted within the trunk, below the package shelf.

Pacemaker500 · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:54 am Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

Thank you.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Hudson A/C

You're welcome. So, when are you going to install one of these on the Pacemaker? Smile