(first posted 8/13/2017) I regularly see the featured car for this post (a beautiful 1956 Lincoln Premiere with factory A/C) at car shows that I exhibit my Mark III. I’ve long been fascinated by Lincolns and early automotive air conditioning, so here is my chance to combine both in a single post!
Lincoln was among the first companies to offer post-war factory air conditioning, starting in 1953. I’m still on the lookout for one to write-up for this series, having never seen a 1953 model so equipped. However, the trunk-mounted system (with ceiling-mounted diffusers) in the featured 1956 model is similar enough to the setup employed in earlier models, save for a few key differences.
The 1953 to 1955 systems did not employ an electromagnetic clutch. This makes sense, as the electrical systems on these cars were only 6-volt. This also meant that the pressure of the refrigerant could not be regulated by cycling the compressor. Instead, a return valve (the “Modulator Valve” above) was fitted to the condenser allowing excess high-pressure vapor to recirculate to the compressor, preventing the low side pressure from dropping too low.
The modulator valve had a variable orifice, which was connected to the interior temperature control panel. This (along with a two-speed blower), afforded the driver some (albeit limited) ability to regulate the interior temperature (recall that the trunk-mounted evaporator had no heater core or blend door to mix in warmer air).
The lack of an electromagnetic clutch meant that Similar to the 1930s Bishop and Babcock air conditioning system, the compressor on the 1953-55 systems was always engaged, whether the system was actually “running” or not. The service manual, therefore, recommended removing the two bolts that engaged the pulley to the compressor in the off-season, allowing the pulley to free-wheel (shown above).
For 1956, several improvements were made to the Lincoln system. For starters, all the components were upgraded to 12 volts, which allowed the incorporation of an electromagnetic clutch on the compressor. However, the clutch on the 1956 system only allowed disengaging the compressor when the system was off. The compressor still ran continuously when the system was on, and therefore still relied on the modulator valve for temperature and pressure control.
The dehydrator, which was a separate component in 1955 (as shown in the previous diagram), was incorporated into the receiver in 1956, as on most modern systems.
Enough tech talk. What’s the system actually look like?
1956 Lincoln Air Conditioning Control Panel
Not being a fully integrated system, the air conditioning had separate controls from the heater and defroster, as shown in the picture above. The control panel for the A/C was still an “add-on,” as clearly seen in the picture above. At least this control panel was color matched, unlike the control panel of the air-conditioned Corvair I featured earlier.
1956 Lincoln
The transparent ducts going from the trunk-mounted evaporator to the headliner are clearly visible in this shot, as well as the fresh air intake for the system on the rear fender.
1956 Lincoln Ceiling Mounted Air Diffusers
Ceiling-mounted registers distributed cooled air to each seating position. When asked, the owner said that it cooled the interior just fine. I’m guessing that most manufacturers switched to panel-mounted vents for simplicity and cost reasons, and not for any lack of effectiveness of the roof-mounted vents.
The only vehicles I’ve ever ridden in with ceiling-mounted vents have been modern minivans and SUVs. The experience is quite a bit different than traditional panel vents, but it seemed to work just as well, if not better.
1956 Lincoln Trunk Mounted Evaporator
Here’s a view of the trunk-mounted evaporator. Unfortunately, most of the innards are encased, save for a small sight glass near the bottom, so you can’t really get a good look at them. In case you don’t enlarge the picture above, the plate calls for a whopping 6.5 lb. of Freon (compared to the 1.5 to 3.5 that most modern systems take). Obviously, it takes a lot of refrigerant to fill those long lines going back and forth from the engine to the trunk.
Up until 1956, Lincoln and Mercury shared the same trunk-mounted air conditioning system. Mercury would switch to the Ford cowl-mounted setup for 1957, while Lincoln would soldier on with the trunk-mounted system for one more year in 1957, before coming out with their crazy dual-core setup in 1958.
Related Reading
Junkyard Heirloom Gallery: 1956 Lincoln Premiere – With Factory AC, Just Needs A Recharge
GM had a similar trunk unit with plastic tubes. A friends family in 1956 had a red and white Olds wit that unit fitted.
I’m guessing it was an earlier model as I believe Oldsmobile used that type of system through 1954:
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2006/12/Cool-Comfort/1382292.html
Oldsmobile had moved to an in-dash integrated system by 1956:
I had a ’54 “98” sedan with the plastic tubes, and air intakes mounted on top of the fenders clear back above the tail lights, also had ’55, ’56 Olds Starfire convertibles with in dash A/C. Mr Anderson may still be right. I’ve had several cars purchased originally from the local dealer, they installed ACA aftermarket air conditioning units, I believe manufactured in Texas. They went on the shelf in the trunk, with clear tubes similar to factory, but did not reach the headliner, the open tubes forced air toward the front of the interior. They usually did not have outside air intakes, but a grille between the tubes that pulled in and circulated inside air. It was something like the original A/C on my ’56 DeSoto except it had the outside scoops as well. The newest car I had with the afterarket/tube system was a 1960 Buick Invicta Vista roof Riviera in Fawn/Taupe which made a nice counterpoint to my ’60 Blue Electra 225 six window with factory dash A/C. Mentioning the capacity, my current ’66 Imperial with dual A/C shows 6.8 of freon. Years back I had 3 1957 Lincoln Premiers, two coupes and a convertible, the coupes had factory A/C (with air intakes on the inboard side of the canted blades) the convertible had a massive chrome underdash unit installed by the dealer (It gets really hot here). In 1956 a family friend of my parents was going to order a ’56 Lincoln, in black. When he saw the mounting position of the intake vents he went down the street and purchased a ’56 Imperial coupe with A/C that was on the showroom floor, also in black. the family still has the stunning coupe.
Fascinating, thanks so much for this response. You should be writing some of this history for CC – interesting information and what great cars you’ve owned.
+1
Thank you, LRF !
Nice ;
I ran some 1990’s crew vans with roof AC registers and they worked far better than any other register location I’ve seen as they out the cold air right where you want it, not 2′ away .
-Nate
I read somewhere that the A/C ceiling vents on a c. 1953/54 Cadillac limo dumped a bunch of condensed water on Mamie Eisenhower, ruining the dress she was wearing. Was this condensation an early “issue” or…??? Ceiling vents make great sense, but dash – mounted are less complex, thus cheaper…
I would guess that the drain on the evaporator clogged up and the circulation fans pushed the water up into the vents.
Yes, my thoughts also.
Another piece(s) of the automotive A/C history. Nice car, too. Count me in the group that thinks that just when Lincoln was starting to get the plot for American luxury, they started losing it again in 57.
“I’m guessing that most manufacturers switched to panel mounted vents for simplicity and cost reasons, and not for any lack of effectiveness of the roof mounted vents.” I would imagine they were anxious to get rid of those clear tubes in the back window, too.
Not all early implementations of the ceiling mounted vents had clear tubes coming from the trunk. The Continental Mark II had the ducts hidden in the roof pillar.
Had one in turquoise. I never was sure if I liked the air intake design which basically gave one a different styled car from non-A/C cars, but it worked very well. Chrysler never did have the tubes (except possibly after market) Only problem with that design was with 6 people in the car someone would have a frozen neck as the vents were low to the rear shelf. AMC had brilliant and low cost A/C from the early 50’s, in dash.
Looking at this A/C system….well, I’m a bit in awe.
And now I see why engineers at Ford didn’t feel too overwhelmed at the idea of building a car with a metal, retractable roof.
I’m always amazed by the sheer amount of toil that went into engineering these complex mechanical systems…no CAD or any other modern electronics involved in these early and mid – fifties features. They truly seemed wondrous!
Adapting refrigeration to the automobile was almost simple compared to designing the incredibly complex Hydra-Matic transmission in the 1930’s.
These early electromagnetic clutches used a set of brushes to transmit power to the clutch. These brushes wore rapidly and were a regular replacement items. It took several more years before the modern no-contact coil system would eliminate the need to periodically change the A/C clutch brushes.
Thanks for another interesting, absorbing and informative early A/C article, Tom!
I look forward to your next installment.
I love these clode-up examinations of uncommon early a/c units. I still wonder why engineers were unable to make some kind of cable-contrilled mechanical pulley disengagement system.
Growing up in the north, these are almost like dinosaur sightings for me.
It’s an interesting setup and I’d go so far as to suggest that the modern version of having all of the A/C pieces in the engine compartment is a purely cost-effective solution.
I’m no expert, but judging from comments on those vehicles with rear A/C units that mimic these early versions, the roof mounted vents are more effective than cool air coming out of the dash. It’s simply much easier (and cheaper) to install the complete A/C systems in the engine compartment with air flowing through the instrument panel. Routing it any other way (i.e., via the A-pillars into the roof) seems like it would be fraught with complexity and expense.
My 2007 SRX had “rear A/C” which was part of a package. The rear seat area was cooled by overhead vents and the cargo/third seat area had A/C vents. This kept the whole interior cool all the way to the cargo section even on 105 F days.
Mopar (Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler) station wagons had this rear A/C option over 50 years ago; much appreciated here in Hot, Humid and perpetually damp New Orleans, LA, USA.
A wonderful option then, as well as now.
Back To The Future!
Ford did an underfloor unit ducted overhead for the ’68-’74 Econoline Club Wagons.
Nikita, Ford improved on this idea later. My 90s Ford Club Wagon moved the ductwork to the center of the ceiling. The blower was in the left rear behind a trim panel. The air supply duct went up the rear pillar on the drivers side, across the back and then forward via a central shaft in the depression in the headliner. It was sort of like being in an airplane, and the six ducts (2 per row of seating) cooled the back very effectively.
In this era, the rear – mounted discharge ducts and air intakes must have signalled “Prestige!”… and this Wisteria color is my favorite of all the ’56 Lincoln paint choices. Thanks for the article!
In 1953, some good friends of my parents purchased a new ’53 Cadillac Fleetwood with factory air conditioning. My 96 year old mother still recalls a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC during the summer of 1953 in this car and having passing motorists stare in awe at them sitting in traffic with the windows up enjoying the cool air inside. It was apparent that people really took notice to the outside air scoops and the discharge tubes that indicated an air conditioned car, whether it be a Cadillac or another make.
My dad had one of the earliest air conditioned Studebakers – a 1955 President Ultra Vista with a unit sourced by Studebaker from NOVI, a popular aftermarket manufacturer of car air conditioners. The units made for Studebaker had a special emblem on the trunk box that read “Studebaker Car Air Conditioning System”. In smaller print was the NOVI name and model number. These cars did not have the overhead vents – instead the tubes discharged the air up towards the headlining where it filtered down throughout the passenger compartment. My research indicates about 200 or so 1955 Studebaker V8 sedans were equipped with air conditioning.
Mr. Bill
Hamlet, NC
Gorgeous colour, lovely shape, curious protrusions. Thanks Tom.
My Grandmother’s 1950 Buick had the heater under the front seat. This continued into the early 50’s for sure, as a 1953 Buick still used under seat heaters. I would make a guess that GM’s 1954 redesign of the B and C bodies may have moved the heaters to the dash/firewall location. Putting the A/C in the trunk was probably the only place to go till the bodies are designed to incorporate it elsewhere.
I once owned the world’s most clapped out and still running 1955 Buick Super convertible. 1955 Buicks – at least the C body Supers and Roadmasters that shared the body with Cadillacs – also had the heater under the front seats. Plus another one in the dashboard. So probably the 1956 ones too.
Looked up a brochure (32 pages, all in color!). On a page using C body illustrations headlined WEATHER WARDEN HEATER, after touting Buick’s High-Air Intake Ventilation system (meaning at the base of the windshield):
“Warm air comes from both the central unit under the driver’s seat and from the dash unit near the right door. A blower fan at each location speeds warm-up and circulation.”
Not only does the feature car have the rare factory A.C., but it also sports the factory fog lights which are probably even rarer.
IMO, the 56 Lincoln is the best-looking of all Lincolns in the 50s. The obligatory annual styling change ruined the 57, and the gargantuan 58-60 models were no beauties either. Then the dramatic 61 Continental appeared, what a refreshing change of direction!
Love the wisteria paint on this 56; didn’t Elvis own one of these in this color also?
I’ve got a soft spot for these cars, excesses and all. That “Wisteria” color isn’t the wildest one ever offered by the big 3, but it’s hard to imagine it being an OEM color on anything but a late-1950s American luxo-barge.
Here’s the illustration in useful hot-cold color (1954 brochure from eBay):
My parents and grandparents both had 1956 Lincoln Premieres. My parent’s Lincoln was a 4-door sedan, the grandparent’s was a 2-door hardtop. Both had factory air conditioning which was very effective. In the late 1990s my wife and I rode in (the back seat) of a fabulous 1957 Premiere 2-door hardtop on a hot summer evening. I had forgotten how wonderful Lincoln’s trunk-mounted A/C system was. Riding in that Lincoln was such a great experience, with the cool air blowing with a soft, nearly silent whirring sound through the ceiling-mounted registers. Even with the (twin) trunk-mounted blowers running on “high,” the airflow in the car was a gentle whisper, far, far from the “roar” of a modern vehicle’s A/C fan on “high.”
I once owned the world’s most clapped out and still running 1955 Buick Super convertible. 1955 Buicks – at least the C body Supers and Roadmasters that shared the body with Cadillacs – also had the heater under the front seats. Plus another one in the dashboard. So probably the 1956 ones too.
Looked up a brochure (32 pages, all in color!). On a page using C body illustrations headlined WEATHER WARDEN HEATER, after touting Buick’s High-Air Intake Ventilation system (meaning at the base of the windshield):
“Warm air comes from both the central unit under the driver’s seat and from the dash unit near the right door. A blower fan at each location speeds warm-up and circulation.”
Looks like the trunk mounted 1955 Buick AC did without the ceiling vents.
Sorry about the double post. Anyway I was wrong. Buick completely redesigned the heater and AC systems for the otherwise only mildly (for the 1950’s) facelifted 1956 model.
I like all the arrows in the brochure which makes it look like there are way more than just three, dash-mounted A/C ducts.
Only two headlights, look unusual, on such an imposing car.
Here’s this Lincoln in 1/43 scale. It also has air conditioning (note the chutes)
It appears that Elvis briefly owned a car just like this one: