Re: Carl's 1952 Packard 300

Posted by BigKev On 2009/4/21 22:48:37

The 51-56 models are not really the best to try to remove the front clip as a single unit. I frankly don't think the core support would hold all the fender weight by itself. Nor would I want to put that stress on the potmetal grille.

This is how I removed by front clip:

Remove hood from hinges. Leave the hinges attached to the firewall
Remove the panel over the radiator
Remove the grille
Remove battery
Remove fresh air ducting
Disconnect wiring at the fender terminal blocks on both sides. (take a picture and label the wiring.
Undo and of the wiring clamps or hose clamps on both fenders.
If you have a washer pump, remove it.

Fenders are next. Spray all visible bolts with PB Blaster, wait 24 hrs

You will find a bolt near the top of cowl near the hinges. (Leave that one till almost last.)

There are one or two one the bottom side directly fender near the corner of the door. These are usually the really rusty ones. So lots of PB and patience, or you will snap them off.

There are an assortment of bolts where the lower portion of the fender contacts the frame from the back to the front. A good light and a wire brush will help you find them all. Some of the bolts are threaded into the frame, other have a nut on the backside.

After you have all the frame bolts out remove the bolts from the rear top (cowl) of the fender, and the where the fender attaches to the radiator core.
Remove various splash pans, etc.

I left the bumper on mine while I did it as the bracket bolts were frozen. I had to use an impact on them later.

I did this all by myself, probably not the best idea. So if you have a spare set of hands, them use them.