Re: Henry's 55 Constellation
Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2008/11/11 23:13:55
Henry,
I am sure glad that Packard is in your expert hands. Your workmanship really shines, and you are moving fast. I bet you got all "A"s in shop class!
The pictures are great, although I can't pick out all the details. I only saw one bare Packard chassis, that was a '55 Custom 4-door that was being parted out.
Regarding the manual, things are always different when you look at the real thing. So much frustration can be alleviated by just asking the knowledgeable people on this forum and sharing your experiences. I tend to prefer the Parts manuals with their expanded drawings. A good drawing is worth a thousand words.
Regarding the wiper motor. That is one thing I wouldn't blame anyone if they converted from vacuum to electric. I never understood why Packard went back to the vacuum system after using electric. Heck, they touted all kinds of electrical gadgets on their cars, fitting for a company that began as a manufacturer of electrical parts.
I think there's a Chevy wiper motor that pops right in. I know Craig can tell you all about that. Then you can go to a non-bastardized oil pump as well. Think of all the engineering wasted on that piggy-back vacuum pump, for vacuum wipers that never should have been on the car in the first place! Dumbest thing (and most unsafe) on the '55 and '56 models, except for the Easacrashic brakes. You can find out more from craig about going to a dual master cylinder.... and avoid feeling (and being) unsafe at any speed.
Cheers! That's all the baloney I have for now. Keep the pics and posts coming!
I am sure glad that Packard is in your expert hands. Your workmanship really shines, and you are moving fast. I bet you got all "A"s in shop class!
The pictures are great, although I can't pick out all the details. I only saw one bare Packard chassis, that was a '55 Custom 4-door that was being parted out.
Regarding the manual, things are always different when you look at the real thing. So much frustration can be alleviated by just asking the knowledgeable people on this forum and sharing your experiences. I tend to prefer the Parts manuals with their expanded drawings. A good drawing is worth a thousand words.
Regarding the wiper motor. That is one thing I wouldn't blame anyone if they converted from vacuum to electric. I never understood why Packard went back to the vacuum system after using electric. Heck, they touted all kinds of electrical gadgets on their cars, fitting for a company that began as a manufacturer of electrical parts.
I think there's a Chevy wiper motor that pops right in. I know Craig can tell you all about that. Then you can go to a non-bastardized oil pump as well. Think of all the engineering wasted on that piggy-back vacuum pump, for vacuum wipers that never should have been on the car in the first place! Dumbest thing (and most unsafe) on the '55 and '56 models, except for the Easacrashic brakes. You can find out more from craig about going to a dual master cylinder.... and avoid feeling (and being) unsafe at any speed.
Cheers! That's all the baloney I have for now. Keep the pics and posts coming!
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