Re: Drove my first 55-56 Packard recently

Posted by Randy Berger On 2014/8/3 10:10:14

I was extremely fortunate in finding a rebuilder who studied the Ultramtic and knew how to rebuild them. His Dad, Irving Siegal owned three 55-56 Packards and Ron did a frame-off restoration on the 55 Patrician. He didn't replace the wave washer on my first rebuild, either because he knew about it, or saw what it did to the turbine blades. I did have to buy a complete turbine replacement because of the damage done.
I have driven my 400 over 40,000 miles and it is as strong as ever (famous last words). Friend Chris gave a master rebuild kit to his rebuilder and told him to use everything in the kit. The fellow gave him back several of the new bushings saying the originals "looked good". Chris never went back to that guy. Ron rebuilt my Caribbean trans also, but I haven't had it on the road yet. I am confident it will perform as well as the 400.