Re: converting from Houdaille to Delco shocks

Posted by FPTGearhead On 2012/1/7 21:37:08

Pat,
Agains thanks for the help. New news on the issue... I just got word from Apple Hydraulics on Long Island NY regarding my shocks. According to their old records and years of experience the Houdes are a last minute substitute for the Delcos as there was a strike at GM and it affected Delcos ability to fill the order to Packard. Houdaille was chosen as a replacement at the last minute. More importantly the front shocks had to be redesigned to handle the heavier Packard car. This redesigned unit really never did the job well and were unreliable. The rears (one armed units similar to Fords) barely met specs but were acceptable.
Apple Hydraulics has Delcos, both front and rear for my '38 in stock and reasonably priced... Well it's a no brainer for me. I'll call and order asap.

So in summary I guess it all makes sense now. Packard sent out many Technical Service Bulletins regarding the unsatisfactory performance of the Houdes and the stop gap measures to regain a quality ride. Now I understand why they went back to Delcos the next year.
Thanks to all that helped and I'll post what happens next.
David