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Well based upon the picture that Randy posted for me, and looking at the rust/wear patterns on the shims and rubber spacers, I think I finally figured out the order everthing goes in for my radiator cradle. I had taken this apart a couple years ago and when I pulled the cradle off the frame the shims and spacers fell on the ground so I didnt know what order they went into.

Now the big question is do I replace the rubber spacers with new ones or just clean everything up and put it back together to maintain the original spacing. The top rubber spacer appears to have a steel core, or over time it has pressed itself into the spacer. When I took everything apart all the hood, fenders, and door gaps were perfect. So I dont want to upset the applecart if I dont have to.

Anyway here is the pic of the washer/spacer/shim order.

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Well a managed to get a few things done today. I got the radiator cradle mounted back on the frame. I let the rubber spacers soak in PB Blaster and that made them soft again. I also media blasted the metal shims, washers and painted them. I bought a new 3/8" x 2" grade 8 bolts to replace the old ones.

I also remounted the starter, and painted the radiator with Eastwood radiator paint.

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Well I got the radiator back in, and the lower radiator hoses in place. Also I mounted the thermostat in it's housing, and bolted the housing to the block.

Only snafu I ran into was the upper hose. I bought the hose set from Kanters about 18 months ago, and this was the first time I tried to fit the upper hose. It is just way to short in the horizontally section by about 4 inches. So I will go to the local parts store and just get a long 90 degree hose. The other hoses in the set fit just fine.

Per the PI engine judging guide, I am using the correct clamps. All the hoses use the spring style clamps except the hose end that attached to the water pump which uses a screw type wire clamp.

Even with a the tarp over the engine compartment, I am always amazed how dusty all that black paint gets.

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WOW!

This is lookin' like a NEW Packard
(on a non-robotic, non-computerized, hobby-speed ASSEMBLY LINE)!!!

Keep up the careful work.
You will have a beauty to be PROUD of.

DanL

AND WHOSE PACKARD MIGHT THIS BE???

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Thanks! It's amazing how fast things go when you are in the reassembly process, and not spending our hours degreasing and sanding off rust!

But as soon as I am done with the front, then finish the body work, and all the rust removal inside the car. So I am enjoying this fun stuff before the dirty work begins again!

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Kev,

Similar experience with the hoses for the '41. The upper hose "just" fitted while the lower hoses were shorter than required. The upper still might need replacement once the engine is brought back to life.

It seems to be the "nature" of black to attract dust.

The moral of the story is, keep the old hoses even if they're shot, so you can go to the parts store and find a competent counterman to have him/her compare them to what they have in stock. I've never had problems finding a suitable hose in a parts store, ever. (the fact that I've worked in automotive parts for over 8 years doesn't hurt!)

lol...the sad part of the story is that I just threw the old hoses away about a month ago. Of well, it should be easy to find something that will work as I know how long it needs to be.

Excellent! Excellent!! Excellent!!!
You inspire me and others to get it done right!
BTW..how did Kanter's manage to send you and Oz hoses that were shorter than required?? A bad day in the packing/shipping department perhaps?