I opened my trunk and now it will not lock shut? I have removed the latch mechanism and for the life of me I cannot figure out how this thing works. Any help would be appreciated. Nothing on the latch appears broken?

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Joe Great Pics! That is a nice Packard!

I haven't posted in some time. I brought the Packard out its winter slumber for a friend's son wedding. They wanted vintage limo but it wasn't in their budget. My wife offered them the 53 and they jumped at it! Here a pic of the bride and groom with the 53. It was a nice outing for the Packard!

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We drive our car on a regular basis as we have mild winters in south east Louisiana. I would say we avarage about 100 miles a month. The MC has been in service for about 5 years. This is based on what I was told by the previous owner's son. I had changed all the fluids in September 2012. I used DOT-3 brake fluid. The old fluid did not look bad. This was a sudden failure without warning. We had driven the car to a local outing everything was normal. While we were driving home, I noticed smoke trailing behind the car from the headlights of the car following us. Checked the gauges everything appeared normal. Since the drive to our home is on a two lane parish road with no shoulder (10 miles), I decided to continue on to the house. When I went to slow down to turn on to our street the pedal went straight to the floor. Pumping the pedal did nothing! Our only saving grace was this happen on our way home, rural area and no traffic. I had plenty of room to stop the car with the emergency brake. I was able to slowly drive the remaining mile home using the emergency brake.

I wish Kanter or one of the other vendors would come up with an easy do it your self retro fit dual master cylinder fix?? My wife was not happy about this experience.

I had the same problem with mine engine started smoking and when I went to stop no brakes!!!! I was able to use the emergency brake. I hate this system! I am going to send mine off to Kanter in the morning. I let you know how it goes.

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I ordered the shaft. I will give an update once I have it installed.

I appreciate all the feedback I am receiving.

I spoke to a gentleman at following link and they offer a replacement drive shaft that does away with the ball and trunion and replaces it with a more modern u joint. If you get a chance check out the website. I thought it was pretty reasonable a new drive shaft for $385 plus shipping. I was going to roll the dice and order a new shaft from them as I have not found anybody locally that I am comfortable with.

What are your thoughts?

http://www.driveshaftspecialist.com/Left-Column/Antique-Classics.html

I need to have the front U-Joint replaced/rebuilt on my 53 Cavalier it has the Ultramatic trans. The drive shaft has about 1/8" of side to side movement in the front u-joint and chatters/shutters when coasting to a stop. I ran the car on jack stands to confirm. It doesn't have the typical u-joint. I need to locate a reputable driveline shop that can repair the shaft. Can anyone recommend someone in my area? I live 40 miles north of New Orleans, LA. I really would like to find someone local to do the repair so I can meet and talk with them direct(comfort factor). I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Dennis

I didn't like the way my 53 Cavalier road or handled with the Coker Bias Ply 3"WW 820x15's that were on it. I just installed a set of Coker American Classics P235-75R-15s 1.6"WW (35psig tire pressure, $165 each) what a difference (night and day). I know these aren't original to the car but I really enjoy the way the car rides and handles now. My wife always felt uneasy because of the way the car felt with the bias tires. She loves riding in it now. That alone was worth it! We tend to drive the car a lot more now.

Thanks,
Dennis

Thanks Howard.

I guess my next project is going to be updating to a new brake booster and dual master cylinder. I was hoping there was an easier way.