Re: 1956 Packard Patrician for Project or Parts- Asking $3,000

Posted by Carl Jr On 2023/9/28 9:41:41

Very helpful discussion - and encouraging actually

Quote:

Good catch on my 'hydrostatic transmission' typo.
Somehow I read my 2011 notes "hydromatic" and typed that into the forum as "hydrostatic".
So it must be a "Hydra-Matic".https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydramatic

The transmission did sound jury-rigged when Dad described it.
But dad clearly grew up in the 'shade tree mechanic' days - so had a no-fear tolerance and interest for such things.
Dad made it sound like a 'common' modification for this model - or at least one that had been done several times by a shop in Pittsburgh's North Hills.
I don't recall dad mentioning which Lincoln that it came from - only that this gave an upgrade in reliable operation while driving.
Dad did mention hacking some mechanism to get the pushbuttons to work - that part is certainly not pretty. Not sure where to look for find that bit.
Bottom line- I guess it's just something to include as full-disclosure.

Thanks for the air cleaner orientation hint.
I actually found the air cleaner in the basement, along with an AM radio from what I believe was an even older Packard.
The air cleaner almost went to a metal scrap yard, but thankfully we had finally cleared enough stuff off of the hood to peer inside, and I realized the likely match.
I'll be sure to orient it correctly.

Dad said the Packard was running when he parked it.
I'll probably never know for sure why he didn't keep the Packard going.
The only certain facts are that he picked up a '57 built Mercedes-Benz 190SL in 1961, then got married in 1962, bought the house and started a family.
He certainly drove the 190SL as a daily commuter until 1964 when he parked that one due to some engine rebuild issues.
Mom mentioned that dad commandeered her car at some point, then kids dictated a VW microbus.
Vuola - the Packard and Mercedes became project cars waiting in what morphed into long-term storage.
Unlike the 190SL which he left parked with it's AllState battery installed and connected, he did pull the battery from the Packard -
and of course that's still sitting on the garage floor next to the Packard.

Anyhow, it is kind of fun to sift through the years and piece stories together.

I will take more pictures and share an update when I visit in the next couple weeks.
* more engine bay detail, e.g. transmission wiring if I can find it, and verify correct air cleaner orientation
* more underside pics, especially around the transmission

Stretch goals time permitting
* endoscope pics in each cylinder
* load cylinders with plenty of ATF or Marvel Mystery Oil
* attempt to hand crank


Can somebody confirm - is 13/16 correct size for these spark plugs? It'll be much easier if I go prepared...