Re: Jim's Packard powered "Indy" car

Posted by Ozstatman On 2016/10/31 18:09:53

Update from Jim.

"We are....trying to get ready for Winter so this week and last, we have been doing yard work and winterizing the cars for storage including the Indy car. I had the Indy car in a part of the garage where my wifes car resides, but she gracefully gave it up so I could do the Indy build. I'm sorry to report that the Indy car didn't get finished this year. All the wiring is done and the clutch and brake pedals are made, adjusted and seem to work well, I moved the shifter handle over 3 inches to give me more leg room, so the interior is now complete. An Amish upholsterer did the interior which looks fantastic and I think is period correct for the 30's. All the lights work and the starting system is wired in and working, plus I have spark to the points. Unfortunately I am not at the stage to fire her up. Marty Carey, (from Northern Minnesota) is a Packard collector and mechanic is coming down next Spring to be there when we fire the Packard straight 8 up. During the build I had several water leaks, (actually a 50/50 anti-freeze mix) but now are repaired, also the fuel leaks were many including around and in the fuel pump, so I had to install an electric fuel pump. All leaks repaired now."

My comment: Although it gets cold here we don't have to lay up our cars for winter. Moving to the Southern Highlands, in 2014, was the only time I've lived anywhere it's snowed. And that was only once, and overnight! First time in about 20 years I was told. Brrrrrrr!