If I were to put AC in my 58 President I would want to do a trunk mounted system. The holes are already in the rear deck for the AC unit as it's the same rear deck in the 58 Packard's and I've seen a few of them with the trunk mount AC unit, supposedly from the factory. One had the clear vents that lead from the deck up towards the top of the rear window. That would be nice because I wouldn't have to worry about having the correct blower united mounted on the floor, it would be hidden in the trunk. I'm wondering how hard this would be to install. Mostly thinking that the parts under the hood and the cooling part that goes in front of the radiator may be quite hard to do?? I would need a compressor that would require different pulley's and belts. I'm also wondering if my radiator would be able to handle the new load without overheating the engine. It's new.
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Jim Rostron -
Adding a/c to your '58 president is an excellent idea, and there is more room for the associated components on a sedan type than a coupe/hardtop model.
However, I think trying to re-create the obsolete factory system is not the way to go...a modern system, as advertised in TW, with a compact underdash evaporator unit, would be what I'd use!
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I have the 2 door hard top. i'M going for my AACA senior in Hershey in Oct. If I get that I'll put AC in but still I would like the rear deck one.
Originally posted by SN-60 View PostAdding a/c to your '58 president is an excellent idea, and there is more room for the associated components on a sedan type than a coupe/hardtop model.
However, I think trying to re-create the obsolete factory system is not the way to go...a modern system, as advertised in TW, with a compact underdash evaporator unit, would be what I'd use!Jim RostronComment
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Your '58 president must be gorgeous, and at THAT judging level, I guess I'd want the a/c to be factory stock also!.....Good luck!Originally posted by mnmfive View Post
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Jim, I have a question for you. Please check your PMs.Comment
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There are rear mount units on the market now that could possibly fit in the the old case of a Novi unit.StudeRick & Johna
Sacramento CA
1964 GT Hawk, 1963 GT Hawk, 1962 GT Hawk
1957 Silver Hawk
1963 Avanti
1961 Lark Wagon
1963 Lark DaytonaComment
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I have Vintage air, heat and defrost under dash on my M series , love it when needed , but seldom use it with the vent windows and fresh air in front of windshield, I do have out in garage a rear A/C from a suburban , that may be a way to go if you don't want one under dash .Randy Wilkin
1946 M5 Streetrod
Hillsboro,Ohio 45133
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Vintage Air offers a trunk mount unit.Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in processComment
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The 1958 Studebaker cars went to Sutton air conditioners under dash.
There were plenty of trunk mounted NOVI dealer kits left over and I have seen these
installed in 1958 cars but that is not factory correct.
Robert KapteynLast edited by rkapteyn; 08-15-2016, 05:39 PM.Comment
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Thanks for the info. Are you absolutely sure? My buddy, he passed, had the 1958 Packard 4 door sedan with trunk mounted AC. He told me it was factory. I think meaning that it was installed at the dealer.
Originally posted by rkapteyn View PostThe 1958 Studebaker cars went to Sutton air conditioners under dash.
There were plenty of trunk mounted NOVI dealer kits left over and I have seen these
installed in 1958 cars but that is not factory correct.
Robert KapteynJim RostronComment
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Yes I am sure that the trunk mounted air conditioners in 1958 were dealer installed. I even saw a 1958 Packard Hawk with a trunk mounted AC but that was dealer installed or bought and installed by the owner.
If anyone is interested , I have a 1955 (6 Volt) trunk mounted unit for sale
Robert Kapteyn
studebaker@mac.comComment
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Robert, I thought all Studebaker AC units were installed by the dealer back in 1958.
Originally posted by rkapteyn View PostJim RostronComment
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Jim
I will double check thisComment
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