Re: The Stripper Clipper (1955 Panama)

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2014/7/30 20:00:42

64avanti,

If it's easy for you to change steering boxes, then it's easy!

You're correct on the steering ratio, I believe. You've got the slower one. The PS steering is very slow, the manual is even slower!

But check the rear gears, you might have the 4:10 to 1:00 ratio, if you have OD. How close is that to the "legenday" GM 4:11 dragstar rear? Pretty darn close, I'd say.

If you're looking for a solid engine, I'd suggest a 352, which I believe one could order for the Panama in '55, and the bigger carb that goes with it, too. And best of all, the really trick twin-scoop air cleaner!

As long as you're doing relatively invisible and/or period correct stuff, I'd say the 352 is the way to go. If you really want to get hinky and still stay authentic, you could get one with a Twin Ultra trans attached and be well on your way to making steering column alterations for the auto shifter, and changing the linkage, and cetera. Easy as pie??