Dog, no, the starter should NOT engage while driving down the road! When I purchased my '53 Cavalier, it was doing the same thing and chewed my starter gear right down to the nub. What I did eventually (it kind of angered some of the members here, but for me its cheap piece of mind), I installed a toggle switch in the starter wire. This way, I know that the starter CAN'T engage unless I want it to and throw the switch.

Guy, it really WAS a bad movie! Still and all, I just couldn't help getting a rush everytime there was a scene with the car in it. Almost like seeing my car for the first time... As a matter of fact, that was the only time I've ever seen her move with someone else at the wheel. No-one else has driven my car since I purchased her!

That's a pretty cool story, Don. Just think of how few people could possibly be in a position to go and see a movie featuring a Packard hearse IN a Packard hearse! The background info on your car is neat as well. I SO wish that I could get ahold of one of the first two owners of my '53 Cavalier. One of these days I'm going to remove the glove box in hopes that there is still some original paperwork taped in there. I've seen a few threads that stated this was a common place for such things. Fingers are crossed! Thanks again,

Scott

I'm fairly certain that my body style and frame (127" Cavalier/Patrician) was the base for the ambulance, hearse, and limo versions of the Packards (for my body style and year). Despite the almost constant maintenance I have to do to keep my Polly on the road (it seems that I have to do SOMETHING on her every two to three weeks), I thoroughly enjoy my baby. I actually wouldn't mind finding a P-H limo sometime in the near-distant future! Fairly soon here, I will undertake the endeavor to keep my 57 Super Clipper on the road as well. Anything worth doing....! Thanks again to all of you and your comments and responses. I would be like a babe in the woods without you!

Scott

I was just going through the movie listings and came across a movie on IFC called "The Hearse". It features what appears to be a 1952 P-H hearse in full regalia. Of course, seeing as the synopsis says " a teacher, recieving a will from her aunt, is stalked by a Packard hearse" I just HAD to watch it. So far it seems to be pretty "B", however, you will recognize a few of the actors, Dennis Quaid being one of them.

Great info, Tim! I appreciate the procedure. I was worried that I would have to take a sample somewhere and pay to have it tested..... Thanks again!

Scott

Just wondering, I posted a query relating to brake fluid earlier and recieved no response. Is there a noticable difference between standard dot 3 (which is what I've always used) and silicon? Someone else remarked that if the fluid had been changed, there would be a tag on the master to indicate the change. No offense meant, but the person that owned my vehicle before me wasn't exactly the best mechanic. I've always used dot 3, even when I was in the Army. Can I remove some of the fluid from my master cylinder and tell the difference by the color? The smell? I can't afford a "test" right now. Please, help! Thanks,

Scott

53' Cavalier! I don't drive her daily, but I do take her out 2-3 times a week (all told less than 50 miles). As per my other posts, the biggest problem I have had is with fuel delivery and such, however, I believe that I have those problems sorted out. EVERY time I take her out, I get comments (usually by guys, gals just don't seem to care unless you are driving something RACY!) Be glad, happy and honored that you have a driveable Packard! Welcome!

Scott

Thanks anyway, Owen. I always appreciate your help!

Scott

Yep, I put an inline filter between the fuel tank and my fuel pump too. I change it out every couple of months or so. The filters only cost between $3-$4 bucks apiece anyway, its cheap peace of mind.