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Me too!!.....


My first ride in a convertible was in a 1951 Packard...sometime in the early 60's when I was 7-8-9 years old...

Maybe I will invest in a heater of some sort. I haven't seen very many good opinions on the dipstick type, according to responses they seem to fail quickly. Just as an added note, I've also recently purchased a new battery and cables and had the starter rebuilt. I run 30 weight Rotella as my engine oil. The distributor shaft doesn't seem to have too much play in it, at least no more than any other vehicle I have worked on. Thanks for the responses, guys! This forum is great!

Scott

The only thing that appealed to me was the convertible part.

I wondered about the "Selectomatic" thing, too. Should rocker covers also be green? Or chrome?

I rather like it too and arm could be twisted a bit. Will be interesting to see what it goes for or if. One or two nits though. Don't believe there were bronze rocker covers with green engines available and also believe selectomatic was a either a radio trademark or from another vehicle and nothing Packard used.

HH56, last time I bought a new car (about 2 years ago) I noted that engine block heaters are still a factory option, presumeably popular in places colder than I want to live.

My 34 (6-volt) will start quite readily in temperatures down to about 10 degrees F, below that it cranks quite slowly but still starts within a turn or two. Years back when I used straight SAE50W motor oil, I used a dipstick heater on those few occasions where it was that cold or colder and I wanted to take the car out, something I don't do any more. The points on low compression are very well taken. A point not mentioned but deserving of a look-see if the condition of the starter bushings/bearings, brushes and commutator.

Not my cup either and while it does look as if a lot was spent, just about all the "Packard" is gone. This one appears to take styling cues from just about everything from the early 50's. The one Old Gold started was much more appealing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PACKARD-EXECUTIVE-SELECTO-MATIC-COUPE_W0QQitemZ310212503454QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item483a

I normally don't like mostly-white cars that much....but this one is a VERY attractive combination!!

Nor mine either, but to each his own. But I do wish people would stop using the word "restore" or "restoration" when describing this type of car.

Per Webster's Unabridged: RESTORATION, a putting back or bringing back into a former, normal, or unimpaired state or condition.

Referring to my post above about years ago having to keep oil warm to solve the problem, out of curiosity I looked and am amazed to find this must still be an issue--even with 12v. Dipstick heaters are still available as are block heaters, radiator hose heaters and even heating pads that cement to the crankcase.