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I have had good results using "PB Blaster" to soften rubber. Specifically, the front passenger side door vent window on my 55 Clipper had very little movement due to stiff rubber. I sprayed the area with the PB Blaster and over a short time the rubber softened and the window was fully operational. JWL

Drywall saw.

Finally getting some of my non-Packard projects wrapped up and getting a little more time doing the fun stuff.

The fuel filter housing is all cleaned up and ready to re-mount.

Also about that Clipper junkyard windshield. I still have several feet of the old windshield molding that I kept for future reference. I cut off a few inches and did a test by soaking it in both PB Blaster and Brake Cleaner (didn't have brake fluid). Neither one of them made any difference in how hard that 60-year-old molding was. However, I do have an oscillating multitool that I think will do the job. It's not the model in the pic below but it's the same type of tool. I have 5 batteries for the one I have so, I should have enough power to get the job done. Trying not to break the glass is the real trick. Was hoping to go this weekend but it's supposed to rain.

I pulled the distributor off the shelf recently and getting ready to disassemble it for cleaning.

I was able to pick up a Pertronix Electronic Ignition conversion kit (Model 1183) on eBay for $29. It came from the parts department of a marina in Illinois. That's about an $80 to $100 savings. Sometimes I get lucky.

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Stewart, you will want a little piece of a coil spring under that filter element to push it up against the gasket at the top.

The secret with those windshields is to remove all of the inside moldings and then cut the rubber back to where you can easily see the edge of the metal body flange all the way around, but especially at the top. Remove exterior moldings by the door post. Push the windshield out at the top a little to break it free, then with a helper lift it up and over the wiper bases.

Thank You Ross,

I knew something was missing from that filter. The guy at NAPA tool me that the filter would float to seal itself.
I'll shop for a spring this evening.

That distributor2 photo brought back bad memories. See that resistor built into the rotor? If using the resistor, do not use modern resistor plug wires. Or if using modern plugs & wires, use a modern rotor without the resistor. Too much resistance = tow truck :(
Happy motoring!

Strongly recommend using a rotor without the resistor. The resistor rotors are subject to failing without warning. JWL

was the guy at napa 20 yo?

If you could get your hands on some. Toluene...that would soften the rubber..

Re...rubber cement is made with it..

Avanti64, JW
I did not know any of that about the rotor but it's all being replaced. The points and condenser will be removed due to the Pertronix kit. I am not sure what else will remain of the original electrical parts but I'll make sure I get the correct rotor.

Henry
He was maybe 30 but NAPA is the only place in town that I trust. At least they never ask me "what type of vehicle is it".

Riki
I'm not sure I want to soften the gasket now. If I use that multitool I think I want it to be brittle to cut easier.