Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BigKev On 2007/6/16 23:27:48

We I managed to get more work done today on the '54. I was finally able to get the manifolds removed from the car. One problem I had was that the inner two studs twisted out of the block. The nut was basically welded onto the stud. No amount of PB Blaster made a difference. I have been spraying those nuts for days. Perhaps the fact they are the ones that get the most heat from the exhaust collector makes them such a pain.

The bad thing about those nuts is that they are in such an inaccessible area that I couldn't get an impact, or even a normal socket wrench on them. Even my gear wrenches would not fit in there. I had to use a normal box-end wrench and plenty of braun. Too bad you can only have less that a 1/4 turn of wrench play. It took me forever.

The threads on the studs look pretty good except for the last 1/4" of the stud.

A little bit more degreasing on that side of the block and a some sanding with a wire cup on my die grinder and I should be all set for when the paint arrives.

I ordered some high-temp primer to use on the non-cast surfaces (timer cover, waterpump blacking plate, value covers, etc). I also bought a couple cans of high-temp cast gray for the manifolds.

I made a trip to Harbor Freight today so I picked up a few things I needed. Their blue latex gloves are the best, so I go through them pretty quickly. They also had the Mityvac Brakes Bleeder/Vacuum testers on sale. So I picked one of those up. I figure I can use it to test my vacuum advance and other things. Plus they have the cheapest wire cup brushes with 1/4" shaft.

Living 1/2 mile for the store makes it very nice when you need something quickly.