Re: Random questions about 51-56's, Ultramatics and A/C

Posted by 19482255 On 2018/3/11 4:21:01

Thanks for the details and the great information on the 54,55, and 56 models

I agree, getting my 48 roadworthy so I may enjoy the car as Packard originally intended is my first priority. I don't wish to buy another Packard at all until the 48 is hitting the pavement.

My first car was a '51 Plymouth Cranbrook club coupe. A bare-bones vintage ride from the KT Keller era of fashion austerity for Chrysler. But I remember driving that car was never a problem with manual steering, especially when the car was moving. So your point about not missing power steering is well taken

And yet, I was living in a small town in the Midwest at the time, so there wasn't a ton of parallel parking to do. Living in Los Angeles is another story, and I have been sincerely glad to have power steering on more than one occasion in some of my other cars. Probably the biggest headache of manual steering is having a larger number of turns, lock-to-lock than power. But I will have to consider it.

Seems there are a lot of details to understand between the 54's, 55's and 56 models, especially when it comes to AC. Glad you brought up the 6V AC systems issue vs. the 12V. I hadn't considered that!



I didn't know who made the AC components for the Packard systems, so I'm happy to learn who supplied them.

for the recommendation of the Packard Gold Portfolio book. Glad to say I think I have a copy knocking around here somewhere. You've piqued my interest to go grab it and read what they have to say.