Help with Generator and Torsion suspension

Posted by Eli Dragisich On 2014/6/22 17:40:54

I am new to this forum. I have owned a 1955 Packard Clipper Constellation for about 33 years. I had a body on restoration done on it about 20 years ago and drove it frequently. However, I lost interest in it because of other obligations, so it sat in my garage for the last 10-13 years. I recently decided to renew my interest in it, and I was successful in getting the car started, but two problems occurred that I need some help with. While it was sitting for all those years the rear end when down significantly. Yet, when I connected the battery terminals recently, the torsion leveler raised the rear end to its maximum height and hasn't gone down since. Back is up and front is down. Any suggestions? Another problem: After starting the car and letting it idle for a while, the generator got extremely hot and eventually began to smoke. I bought a rebuilt one from a Packard parts supplier and replaced the one in my car with it. Unfortunately that didn't solve my problem. The rebuilt generator also became extremely hot and began to smoke. I disconnected the battery cable so I didn't start a fire. Any ideas? Please be advised that I am not mechanically inclined, but I'll listen to any advice you may give. I live near Pittsburgh, PA and I desperately need some guidance on what to do.

Thanks for any help you may suggest

Eli Dragisich
Weirton, WV