Carl's 1952 Packard 300

Posted by Carl Madsen On 2009/1/14 15:50:46

This was my dad's car so it is sentimental. Most of the parts are original as far as I can tell; someone did poor paint job in the 1980's, converting the green on green to a tan on black. My dad bought it that way and was a great mechanic, keeping it running for years.

My current status is to keep this car mechanically running sound. Before I put it away for the winter the breaks were grabbing, I suspect the brake linings are coming off.

The generator is shot; I replace the brushes and bearings to no avail; it still only puts out three quarters of one volt.

I had the carburetor professionally rebuilt, it works great now.

The cooling system still overheats, and the transmission cooler leaks.

The hood has a crease in it from when the hood popped open as I drove it from Iowa to Minnesota.

I had the gas tank professionally cleaned and coated.

I had the radiator cleaned and tested.

I replaced the electric fan for the heater.

I added a cooling 6VDC fan to the front of the radiator.

I added an electric 6VDC fuel pump under the driver's side door. The toggles for this and the fan are now located under the dash.

I bought 4 new polyester white wall tires and had them mounted. I probably should have purchased radials instead.

I replaced the glass in the passenger vent window, but it doesn't fit all the way into the metal, preventing the window from closing.

I tried my hand at reupholstering the driver's side door, it looks good but not great.

The body rot at the wheel wells and under the doors is going to have to wait until I either learn body work or have the money to have it done.

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