I've also found that re-tightening the bolts two or three times after running the motor will help with exhaust leaks. Do it hot, if you can, but be careful not to gronk on it too hard, naturally. Seems like I always find a loose stud or two when I do this after I've had a manifold off. Good luck.

Mal, thought about it, but I'm looking for a driver that I can just polish up. There is one for sale on the Reno Craigslist but the ad is over a month old, and I don't have anyone who could pick it up for me until about February.

So, I'm treading out of my usual waters here! How rare was the 200 Business Coupe in 1951? Was it available with a manual transmission? Looking at the owners manual, it only mentions the ultramatic, but then it talks about using the overdrive on the next page, which implies that a manual transmission was also available.

How rare is this car? How rare would it be to find it with a manual?

I'm not really in the market yet, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a nice driver 51-53 Packard, but I'd really like to find a 2 door with a manual and overdrive. Is that unobtainable?

I say 51-53 because I like the looks, and they are pretty reasonable. Doesn't HAVE to be a two door, but I thought it would be more fun.

Be careful when you pull the water pump off and put it back on, the water pump is unique to that year and they are getting pretty hard find new cores if you crack the housing somehow.

The advice on water distribution tubes is excellent- over the course of my car's life, someone had replaced the brass tube with a version made of galvanized steel, and it had disintegrated. After I got it all cleaned out, the car ran much cooler!

Good luck, and welcome to Packard Info.

I have one of the flex hoses on my Packard and it presents very well. I also recommend sending your pump off to Arthur Gould for rebuilding. I did that last spring because it was only $20 more than the rebuild kit. In addition to a full rebuild with modern materials, he media blasted the whole pump, and it looks brand new. This picture doesn't show the flex hose, but it does show the rebuilt fuel pump.

Attach file:

---

  (133.04 KB)

Another solid option for "rollers" is Craigslist. Tires seem to be one of the most common commodities there.

Just noticed that my picture didn't upload, so I guess no one else understood my last post. This should help.

Finally have a few days off, and I'm mostly helping my wife and bonding with my son, but I have been doing a little bit of research. Not too much luck finding parts, but that's ok, because the guy I would ask to pick them up for me is pretty busy this time of year. I should be back CONUS about two and a half years, so I have plenty of time.

I did buy some books on Amazon the other day though, so I'll spend some time learning more about the history of Packard.

Attach file:

---

  (67.59 KB)

My Packard project has entered a new phase. :) I guess technically I have two now. I will definitely need seat belts....

Not too much going on due to work, geography, and baby. Still scrounging parts. Wiring harness on order, found an air dam. I am going to send my carb off in a while, I don't want to do it too soon since the car is sitting.

Also looking for a clean pair of front fenders in the Western side of the country.

Try the flackmaster, flackmaster@sbcglobal.net, as he collects parts for '37 Packards.

Semi gloss for the frame. The timing cover is the same color as the engine, I think green for your year. Bill Hirsch has spray cans with OEM colored engine paint.