Re: PackardDon's 1956 Clipper Custom Sedan

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/3/14 22:01:30

Very interesting project Don, and relevant to my efforts with my 1956 Clipper Deluxe. Mine is clearly an easier starting point. And it never snows here!

Are the trunk lids on the 1956 Clippers really different to the other 1956 Packards? I know the 1955 lid is different, but apparently interchangeable with 1956. I like the 1956 shape better.

You have a bit of work ahead of you. But I expect you will like the result if you see it through. They're a surprisingly good car.

There's also a Treadlevac rebuild looming for me. It's long overdue. Thought I had a vacuum system problem with the brakes, but adding fluid to the master cylinder has them working quite well again. Now I'm worried because I don't know why this fixed it! Perhaps a slow leak in one or more of the wheel cylinders? Ah well, guess I'll be replacing those too. And while I'm at it, looking at the brake linings and drums.

Most other important stuff on my Clipper is working fine, including the Torsion Level and Ultramatic transmission. Hopefully, not too much wrong with your Torsion Level system. Brilliant stuff, but it sounds like a bear to work on.

I agree with you about the colours on your car. Actually looks pretty nice. Mine was originally yellow with a white roof. The Deluxe had less trim on the side, so the second paint colour was limited to the roof. Anyway, I don't care for yellow/white so it will remain dark blue when it get its imminent paint tidy-up. It's easier because all the fiddly bits are already dark blue!

Do you have a heater in your shed?

Cheers

Brian