Re: Henry's 55 Constellation

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2008/11/14 19:24:02

I'd be sorely tempted to do what Hank is doing and keep the whole "spirit" of the car together, just because that's the way I am with most things. I want to put them back the way they were as much as possible. Like my 1941 Triplex (that's a house not a car--WAY off topic!) It's a monument to plaster, lathe, and stucco and I intend to keep it that way!

I only mentioned the wiper motor because it kind of ticks me off that Packard went back to vacuum, when as Eric says, the Chevy is a bolt-on and a reversible mod.

Brakes get into safety big-time. Like I wouldn't want the original fuse-box nightmare in my house, because others depend on it being a safe place. With a car, the things that make it stop are more important than the things that make it go, IMHO.

BUT, if it was just me who was driving the car or riding in it... I feel different about taking chances. However, there are other people on the road who don't want to be sharing in your risk (of rear-ending them for instance). ALTHOUGH, there is an assumed risk that everybody takes when they go out for a drive. The risk is shared and it's impossible to make it perfectly safe for everyone. "Accidents happen."

If it sounds like I'm conflicted about whether I'd get rid of the original Easamatic setup, it's because I am. No brakes are 100% fail-safe, but the setup that Packard used (and other mfrs, too, Ford is one I have heard used this system) is about 100 times more likely to fail than almost any dual master cylinder setup.

...and I was in a '55 400 when the brakes failed... luckily on a straight stretch of lonely two-lane blacktop. But I still remember my dad, yanking on the e-brake T-handle and cursing. Get this, though, he was a professional mechanic for over 35 years, and never was completely sold on a dual master cylinder system.

Here's why: If the Brake Warning light does not come on (or gives so many false readings you stop paying attention to it) you can be driving around with HALF a braking system in operation, while the other half has you back to one master cylinder.

Makes ya think, doesn't it? But he always was a contrary fellow.

Thanks for mentioning the old tools, Hank. I know just how you feel, having "inherited" a few of my father's, including an ancient half-inch drill. I feel closest to my memories of him when I use his tools... and humbled by how much less skill and speed I have than he did.

Sorry for going on and on. I'll get out of here and let the show go on, now. Do whatever you think is best. You sound conscientious enough to give it careful thought.