Re: Engine Break In Procedure and Post Start Items???

Posted by Packard 1948 On 2015/5/13 14:13:08

I had just a couple of minutes before I left for work to look under my dad's Packard to investigate if the body off approach would be do-able as a better means to re-install the engine and transmission.

This seems to be the "easy" way to install the engine and adjust the clutch and rear transmission mount. If I can run the engine on the bare chassis it would be helpful to look for leaks and such as well as if the valves need to be readjusted after it gets hot that would be an easier (whistling) experience.

I do have a two post lift so the wood 4X4 under the rocker panels might be the approach. I did determine the following with respect to lifting the body off of the chassis:

1. The rear bumper will need to be removed because there is a sheet metal filler piece that is attached to the body that slips under the bumper. Minor PITA.

2. The front bumper has a similar filler piece under the bumper however it looks like I can leave the front bumper bolted to the front clip but simply unbolt the bumper bracket from the frame....no big deal.


3. There are front inner fender well bolts that will need to be removed. It looks like there are three one each side. Also some kind of vertical rod (left side and right side) with a nut and washer that attaches to the frame that will need to unscrew the nut..this is also no big deal.

4. The gas pedal and clutch pedal levers appear to have a filler piece that goes around them that covers up a large square hole and I did not have time to investigate the inside of the dash to see how difficult it would be to remove this piece. If it is easy to unbolt then the pedals will drop out of the bottom.

5. There are about ten body to chassis bolts that need to be removed. Since the interior is in the car the questions is how tough is it to remove the interior trim and carpet and access these bolts from inside the car and the trunk...this looks to be the most onerous part of the de-mating project.

As always...any suggestions and advice would be most appreciated...

Bill