1956 Clipper Deluxe
Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/3/11 0:22:07
Have decided to start a blog for this, as the list of outstanding jobs gets longer!
Background: I bought this car about a year ago and have taken a shine to it - despite tatty paintwork etc. It was right hand drive from new, being delivered by Kellow-Falkiner (Rolls and Bentley dealers in Melbourne. It was fairly comprehensively restored by a previous owner about 35 years ago, and has stood up fairly well except for the paintwork which is now quite crazed and generally lets the car down. It is fitted with the Ultramatic transmission, Torque Level suspension, limited slip differential and power brakes. The first three are working well, but not the brakes which amongst other things appear to lack power boost and may have a slow hydraulic leak.
Note the omission of power steering, which was not available on right hand drive cars in 1955/6. After much head-scratching, have decided follow Kev and fit narrower radial tyres plus plenty of grease around the front end.
I'm still not sure where this car was assembled. But either way, the right hand drive configuration was thoroughly engineered, and there appear to be quite a few unique factory components used (including the dash). It is fitted with a local AWA pushbutton transistor radio and Smiths heater unit. It had the oil pump upgrade when it was restored, and gained locally made electric wipers to replace the vacuum jobs at that point.
It runs extremely well and is quite sprightly. Wish it stopped the same way!
Only other mods are an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor, dual stainless exhaust system and custom built wire wheels of the same style as the genuine Packard items fitted to senior models (different stud pattern).
The only other mod is the addition of a second modern AM/FM radio unit inside the glove compartment. I want to revive the original AWA radio and dispense with that. Still quite a few AM stations around where I live. A new windscreen was fitted when the second radio was installed. The aerial is attached to the left side of the screen. Ugly.
Over recent weeks, the power brakes have been deteriorating with all the symptoms of vacuum system failure. However addition of fluid to the master cylinder has temporarily overcome the problem. There's a Treadlevac brake rebuild in my future.
Another item on the list is the clock, which no longer operates but I'm hoping can be repaired.
Paintwork is scheduled for attention later this month. A big job which I am trying to prevent getting out of hand cost-wise. All I really want is for the car to be presentable. It is painted in a very dark blue 1970s Ford colour called Midnight - pretty similar to the Packard dark blue which I think suits the car quite well (see old pic).
Interior is pretty much original. I will have a go at cleaning it up and tidying a few areas.
Attach file:
(410.74 KB)
(191.56 KB)
(73.37 KB)
Background: I bought this car about a year ago and have taken a shine to it - despite tatty paintwork etc. It was right hand drive from new, being delivered by Kellow-Falkiner (Rolls and Bentley dealers in Melbourne. It was fairly comprehensively restored by a previous owner about 35 years ago, and has stood up fairly well except for the paintwork which is now quite crazed and generally lets the car down. It is fitted with the Ultramatic transmission, Torque Level suspension, limited slip differential and power brakes. The first three are working well, but not the brakes which amongst other things appear to lack power boost and may have a slow hydraulic leak.
Note the omission of power steering, which was not available on right hand drive cars in 1955/6. After much head-scratching, have decided follow Kev and fit narrower radial tyres plus plenty of grease around the front end.
I'm still not sure where this car was assembled. But either way, the right hand drive configuration was thoroughly engineered, and there appear to be quite a few unique factory components used (including the dash). It is fitted with a local AWA pushbutton transistor radio and Smiths heater unit. It had the oil pump upgrade when it was restored, and gained locally made electric wipers to replace the vacuum jobs at that point.
It runs extremely well and is quite sprightly. Wish it stopped the same way!
Only other mods are an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor, dual stainless exhaust system and custom built wire wheels of the same style as the genuine Packard items fitted to senior models (different stud pattern).
The only other mod is the addition of a second modern AM/FM radio unit inside the glove compartment. I want to revive the original AWA radio and dispense with that. Still quite a few AM stations around where I live. A new windscreen was fitted when the second radio was installed. The aerial is attached to the left side of the screen. Ugly.
Over recent weeks, the power brakes have been deteriorating with all the symptoms of vacuum system failure. However addition of fluid to the master cylinder has temporarily overcome the problem. There's a Treadlevac brake rebuild in my future.
Another item on the list is the clock, which no longer operates but I'm hoping can be repaired.
Paintwork is scheduled for attention later this month. A big job which I am trying to prevent getting out of hand cost-wise. All I really want is for the car to be presentable. It is painted in a very dark blue 1970s Ford colour called Midnight - pretty similar to the Packard dark blue which I think suits the car quite well (see old pic).
Interior is pretty much original. I will have a go at cleaning it up and tidying a few areas.
Attach file:
(410.74 KB)
(191.56 KB)
(73.37 KB)
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