Running Packard = Happy Dad!!!

Posted by Packard 1948 On 2015/9/21 19:31:39

Hi All,

I FINALLY got my dad's Packard running for the Labor Day car show at my sisters church. Since I started this project in May I thought I would have it done with plenty of time...however I just barely made it...delivering the car to my dad the morning of the big event. This car show is certainly not big show (about 50 cars) however it has been a family tradition since the show started 13 years ago and he had not missed a single event so the pressure was on!!!

The scope of the project kinda ballooned from a simple transmission R&R to the following:

Engine rebuild and belts
Transmission and overdrive rebuild
New clutch and pressure plate
Engine bay wiring major repair
Steering box removal, inspection, and seal replacement
Four wheel brake job (major, nibs, 16 clicks)
New fuel steel lines installed from tank to engine
Removal of road draft tube and replacement with PCV
Full stem to stern paint buffing job
Interior detail
Rims repainted
Tire balancing
Monroe power steering actuator installation
Alignment
Generator rebuild
Shifter mechanism rebuild (column and trans bushings)
New vacuum steel lines
Various engine parts painting
New cooling system hoses and six blade fan
And other stuff I already forgot.

During the weeks I found myself emailing my dad the "Pampered Packard Spa and Wellness Center" updates every couple of days keeping him up to speed (very slow speed) of the "progress". The tag line of these updates was the trademark "The place where your Packard will be so pampered and relaxed you will begin wondering if you will ever see it again!!!"

At one point this project became sort of a full time job for a few weeks at a time. The time estimate jumped from "oh about a month" to "I hope I get done by the end of summer". The first eight weeks were kinda fun however the last stretch of weeks were...well...not so much. The car show was fun however (see attached family photo)!!!

He said the engine runs very smooth and starts right up every time and he drives it to the coffee shop most mornings to hang out with the retired boyz. He says he is the envy of the gang!!!

Anyhoo...I REALLY WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU who contributed their time, suggestions, knowledge, car parts, experience, SWAGs, cyber blood and tears, and Packard Voodoo dances that made this en-devour successful...I really could not have done this project without your unceasing help and advice!!! I am indeed very grateful!!! My daughters call you guys my "cyber car show friends".

I still have some things to do to the car and even when that is complete I will certainly cyber lurk on the forum to laugh, cry, and share my ignorance with you.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

Bill
See attached picture of happy dad, son, daughter in law, and grand kids!!!

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