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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Forum Ambassador
 
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You can get the build card for your car from the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, that will have your key numbers on it. There is a dealer in antique car locks and keys from Dexter MI who can cut you keys from those numbers. You may find a local locksmith who can do the same.
Posted on: 2017/10/19 13:46
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Home away from home
 
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I'm not an expert on the V8 Packards but I'm fairly sure that those with manual transmission had a different ratio rear end and a different one yet with overdrive. Just something to add to the work and expense if you decide to go that route. Personally I would stick with the Twin Ultramatic as it was a good transmission. Just my opinion, mind you!
Posted on: 2017/10/19 15:55
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Home away from home
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Quote:
A few responses... RE: Key blanks for your car... It used a standard Briggs & Stratton automotive key blank, but in reverse of GM cars. Any good locksmith ought to be able to easily cut a new key for you, especially if you remove the ignition switch and take it to him. Be sure to hold the bezel in place while pushing (compressing) the switch toward you while twisting the switch to detach. Quite easy to do once you get the hang of it. Use care and avoid forcible twisting which can break off the fragile pin hooks on the bezel. Removing the glove box can certainly make the process easier if you've never done it before. RE: Radiator... With the jillions of used Packard radiators around there is no reason on earth why either of the fellows selling used Packard V8 parts in either San Diego or Minnesota or elsewhere all over the country can't supply you quickly, reasonably and easily with a used or NOS radiator. RE: the Ultramatic transmission... I'm not a fan of customizing and changing these cars all around, so I'll quickly admit this. Why all of the clamour to yank these transmissions (and do twice the work you would to simply fix what is there) today is a mystery. The Ultramatic for your car was a very fine piece of engineering-which, properly maintained and driven sensibly, should be very reliable. And ... after all... it is part of the car. To each his own, but I view yanking these transmissions as similar to removing your middle fingers to replace them with somebody else's navel. Why? I know others have had Ultramatic issues... but In all of the V8 Packards I've owned- and there were a pile of them... I never had an Ultramatic go out on me. And I have rebuilt a couple on my own back in the 1970s... which as far as I know are still functioning today. Which is the second problem... these transmissions need to be rebuilt properly... not just "re-sloshed." And for an Ultramatic, the proper rebuild always begins with a proper disassembly... which is rarely done. Then folks are later shocked when the trans doesn't work! RE: the "VIN" location... The vehicle serial number plate was always located on the driver's side door jamb... visible with the door open while looking forward. There are people online, in the Packard Club and in this forum who can answer just about any question on the plate and numbers pressed onto it. Anyway, for what it's worth...
Posted on: 2017/10/19 16:58
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Forum Ambassador
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Leeedy has a point about finding a used radiator. It would be a lot easier to drop something in that fits rather than adapt. Gerry in San Diego has quite a bit of used V8 parts and might have a serviceable radiator that would get you going. I am not sure I would trust used to last forever since they can deteriorate in storage but maybe short term would be OK. gerry@packardssouthwest.com
If you do get a Packard radiator be sure to mount it using the combination of rubber and steel washers as indicated in this drawing. A solid mounting to the cradle that doesn't allow for a bit of flexing can lead to problems. The rubber washers are about 1/8 thick and if you can't find proper rubber washers there are some flat faucet washers from the hardware store that will work. Attach file:  (132.06 KB)
Posted on: 2017/10/19 19:18
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Howard
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Home away from home
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Thank you guys for being so informative about the radiator and for the contact of Gary. I want to thank the people that have provided all the literature on the website because been printing out loads of literature and making a binder at home.
I feel real confident about getting the ignition cylinder out now thanks HH thanks riki I still don't know what kind of oil weight you guys are using on your engine
Posted on: 2017/10/20 19:31
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Home away from home
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Is there a book on how to rebuild ultramatics
Posted on: 2017/10/20 19:32
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Forum Ambassador
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The factory shop manual covers it extensively and is a good place to start.
Posted on: 2017/10/20 19:43
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Home away from home
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Thanks and I believe I can downloaded it from this site right?
Posted on: 2017/10/20 19:49
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Re: 55 newbie Questions
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Forum Ambassador
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You can download the Twin Ultra section of the SM from the literature page.
https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/servicemanual5556/Sect07_TwinUltra.pdf There is also a training book on the unit produced and given to mechanics when it was first seen in the field with the late 54 cars. Same basic unit but was called the Gear Start Ultramatic when introduced. The training book has almost the same info as that in the SM section so not really needed but it may go into a bit more theory of operation detail and how some valves work. https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/gearStart.pdf
Posted on: 2017/10/20 20:10
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Howard
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