'56 Patrician New Owner Questions.

Posted by SteveB On 2018/7/24 15:52:25

Hi:

I just bought a 1956 Patrician that is an older restoration and was stored for the last number of years. My sons (10 & 11) helped me find it and were instrumental in working me over till I bought it. I'm glad they did. It's a fun car but I'm having some issues that I need an experienced owner to help explain. Thank you in advance.

1) The seller merely stored the car and provided me with an extensive file covering the vehicle history. The transmission was rebuilt approx. ten years ago and it leaks like a Sieve. I replaced the pan gasket with a fresh cork / rubber gasket and sealed it well. It leaks more than ever (approx. a pint / week). Until I can get it on a lift, it is very hard to see exactly where it's leaking from. Can someone suggest some things to check before I pull it out and hope to find a knowledgeable rebuilder? (note the trans was extremely clean inside - no grunge, sludge, filings, etc.)

2) The transmission itself when driving: I can't discern actual shifts. Very strange. I end up driving it mostly in "H" and I can't even tell if it's shifting when I try "L", "D", or "H". Is this transmission screwed up or, is this how a Packard transmission works?

3) The suspensions leveling system has me baffled. I thought it was supposed to work even when parked and could be tested by standing on the rear bumper. Doesn't work.
It has a manual switch under the dash (LH side) that lets me manually raise / lower the ride height. If it would stay in one position that would be fine. Right now, whenever I hit the brakes to stop, it jacks the rear of the car way in the air. THAT is a very strange feeling for sure. Does anyone have some advice as to is this working normally or am I in store for a few headaches?

Other than these issues this has got to be one of the nicest looking 50's era cars we could afford. We love it.

Thank you.