Re: Suspension Question

Posted by markinroseburg On 2014/1/22 13:57:06

Thanks for all of the comments.
I wouldn't consider myself an amateur. I've restored a 1957 Chrysler Windsor and a 1954 New Yorker. Nearly all of my experience has been with Chrysler Products from 1950 to 1973 or so. I've owned literally dozens of them. Certainly my favorite marques.

Definitely an amateur with Packards however. My 51 Imperial drove like a truck with the stock suspension. The 54 New Yorker was slightly better with radials. The 57 Windsor with torsion bar suspension was great. The best thing I did for that car was converting to front disc. Easy bolt-in swap. Made a world of difference in driving and piece of mind. My favorite to date was the 66 300 I had.

I have never condoned "cutting a car up". Having never driven a 51 Packard (or any Packard for that matter) I'm not sure what to expect. I really don't want it to behave like the Imperial. I don't expect it to drive as nice as the 300.

The only other straight 8 I had was a 50 New Yorker. The Fluid Drive in it wasn't stellar, but it worked as it should. I had to have the unit rebuilt - not cheap. I had the hemi engine rebuilt in the 51 - not cheap.

At this point, I will keep working on the Thunderbolt. I love the sound these things make and I love the nostalia of the big straight engine. I guess I'll see what the ultra looks like when the time comes.
Thanks again for the comments.