Re: Getting new tires on a 34

Posted by Peter Hartmann On 2008/8/18 19:41:27

nope - he dosn't have a valid point about modern radials. Some kinds of wheels, both "collector", and even some modern, have a problem giving a good "seal" with tube-less tires. There are readily avail RADIAL tubes for just about any size you need (my '38 V-12 came with "modern" style "drop center" steel welded discs, so I personally dont have this problem).

He does have a valid point about staying under 50 mph. That is, IF his car wasnt properly over-hauled.

The limiting factor is the "poured babbit" rod bearings. As I noted elsewhere, road tests when the car was new, confirmed if you drive a poured-babbit bearing equipped Packard of ANY engine much over 45 mph for any length of time, you will be lucky to get two thousand miles out of it before the rod bearings fail and damage the crank-shaft. Once the crank-shaft is damaged, it is a MAJOR operation, in ANY "senior" Packard engine of 1939 or earlier vintage, to "grind" the crank-shaft.

There is a reason why Packard (and most others) went to modern "precision insert" type bearings for 1935 and later production. There is a reason why no responsible engine overhauler will use poured-babbit for connecting rod bearing material if he knows the owner intends to actually operate the motor beyond driving from a trailer, across the grass a few hundred feet OR LESS, at a car show.

Now, once you properly equip a '34 Packard of ANY engine size with quality "insert" type rod bearings, you can drive it at any speed that amuses you, for as long as you like. Packard proved that in a famous 25,000 mi. extreme speed test in late '34.

And if you really want to enjoy the superb "handling", VERY competent power brakes, and general "feel" of a pre-war Senior Packard, get it a "high" (low numerically) final drive ratio.

I cant imagine anyone trying present-day "repro" bias tires, unless all they want is something to keep the wheels off the grass at car shows. Even a short drive with modern "repros" gives you a false experience - really screws up the car and prevents you from feeling the "Packard Magic".

Anyone who DOSNT know there is a "Packard Magic" feel, is missing a lot - dosnt understand why Packard out-sold Cadillac in the super-luxury super-car field - just as an example, TEN Packard Twelves were delivered for the 1938 model year for every single Cad. V-16.