What is the strap on the top of the rear seat?

several years ago I used composite head gaskets on a 56 clipper 352. I was careful to torque them to specs and after a couple of hundred miles I re-torqued them again.
At about 500 miles, the passenger side blew out. Maybe it was bad luck but I replaced both gaskets with metal and have no problem since. I will not use composite again.

The front side rail was the one Modified. As I recall, this was a time ago, I had to remove some metal so that it fit into the header. It held up ok until I was finally able to find a complete set of used side rails from a 55. Due to my carelessness I had several cracked side rails. I still have not replaced them all but will when I am confident that the top is working properly.

Another thing to note is, don't use silicone brake fluid in the pump.

+Use extreme care that the top goes up evenly on both sides.
The side rails are aluminum and are very brittle. They will break. They are impossible to repair. After several attempts made by aluminum welders in my area, I ended modifying a couple of side rails from a 54 convert.

kanter shows a listing but it is somewhat hard to figure if it really is a pilot bearing.

Several years ago I had the pressure plate rebuilt and clutch relined at a local shop. They also supplied a bearing. A local shop should be able to help you.

In 1961, while stationed at Fort Bliss, I bought my first Packard. A 1955, all white Panama. After a couple of years I broke the rear tail light. The counter man at the local auto parts store he didn't have any but the local ford dealer might. He use to be the Packard dealer. The guy at the Ford counter said to give him a minute to look around. He had a few parts for Packards left. He came back with the lens. I asked how much and he said $1.00. In fact he would sell his entire inventory of Packard parts for $100.
I had the dollar for the lens but on Army pay, not the $100.

Over the years I must have thrown out a dozen in better shape than these.

the wheel well for my spare tire is about as rusty as rusty can be. It looks like a relatively easy thing to remove. Cut out the welds and drop the new one in. But, what about using a torch so close to the gas tank. Would a good welder be able to do this without removing the tank?
Also any ideas as to where I could get a good replacement well? Its for a 55 Clipper.

Just checking to see if this site still works.