Kev, you are having way too much fun. Please keep the blog updates coming. Enjoy each and every one.

Also note the fan shroud. Export equipment provided by the factory or delivering dealer?

Check with John Ulrich (4184 Garden Lane, El Sobrante, CA 94803, 510-223-9587). He makes new ones out of bronze. I bought a pair for my 115C from John.

Leeedy, I think the concept study Miata with you in the photo is most attractive. I had a series one Miata and currently lusting over the latest models, especially the RF. It would have been interesting if Mazda would have produced this special one. But, why the need? They were selling the ones in production as fast as they could. Maybe an after market body kit. It would be an easy conversion. Thanks for sharing this non-Packard.

I have used peppermint oil and water mixture in the engine compartment of the vehicle we keep outdoors. So far so good. Pests used to get in there and destroy the hood insulation pad. Better the pad than wiring or hoses.

Good advice. The stock transmission oil cooler was a heat exchanger device located between the engine and radiator. They are relatively trouble free, but if an internal leak develops water and oil will mix and harm the transmission. Some have replaced this cooler with one mounted in front of the radiator. One works on the exchange of heat via the engine coolant and the other is dependent upon air flow. I think some even used both types of coolers.

And, it is a manual transmission car based on it having a clutch pedal. Does it have overdrive? No power brakes either. Neat.

The 55 Clipper Deluxe and Super used the 320 V8 and a Carter 4V carburetor. The 55 Custom Clippers used the 352 V8 and a Rochester 4V carburetor. The 56 Deluxe Clippers used a 2V carburetor. Don't know about the other models in the Clipper line for that year.

Good discussion. Another thing to keep in mind is the rating on the thermostat (e.g., 170F) is when the stat starts to open. It takes about another 10 degrees for it to be fully open. So, a 170F rated stat will be fully open around 180F. Altitude also makes a difference. Here in Santa Fe (7,200 ft. above sea level) unpressurized water will start boiling around 195F.

The Avanti gauge was a combo type which measured vacuum and pressure. They were fitted for the supercharged cars and kept for the normally aspirated ones. At least that was the way it was on my 1963 non-supercharged model.