Re: "Waking Sleeping Beauty" .... The Blog!

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2011/3/1 20:21:34

BIG DAY TODAY !

My CARE package from Mike Dulinski arrived at the local Greyhound Depot. Two packages, actually. One had the Renuz Process Gas Tank; complete with numbered badge for my '55. The other one had the NOS radiator for the '51. He included the original Packard Motor Car Company box the radiator was in for the last 55 years or so as bracing for in the box with the tank. I intended to take some pictures but the batteries in my camera were dead and it'd be dark before I got fresh ones. I'll take some of the Packard box tomorrow.
Took the radiator out to the shop where the '51 is. We opened up the box and had the new radiator installed in 5 minutes. This should be the last piece of the puzzle for the '51. If it passes my mechanic's (his name is Owen, too) I'll have her home this weekend.
After I got back into Portland, I took advantage of the break in our weather and installed the new fuel tank in the '55. Went in just like it knew where it was going! I forgot to buy a new vent hose so that put a halt to today's festivities. Tomorrow I'll take the remains (I had to cut it off the old tank) to NAPA and get a new one - along with a see-through gas filter that I want to install between the pump and the engine steel line. I have the rebuild kit for the pump, but I want to get her running and hopefully drive her from the carport to inside the garage. I picked up some old carpet that we tore out of a rental property and put that down in the garage. It will make working under the car a lot more pleasant.
We're promised another "somewhat dry and warmer" day after tomorrow's new storm. That's when I plan to add the new gas vent hose and install the carb. If the transmission is willing - the one remaining big question mark - I'll have both Packards up and running! Guess I'd better buy that calendar Howard's been kidding me about!
More to come!