Re: Repop pistons from Egge/Kanter/Packards International - update

Posted by fred kanter On 2010/11/8 18:19:06

Hello! This is Fred Kanter from Kanter Auto Products. I was excited to find such an informative website with Packard information. We are always glad to see the hobby thriving and the Packard community connecting to share stories and knowledge.

I have some information that I want to add to this thread to clear up some confusion:

1. Kanter still does indeed offer three levels of V-8 engine rebuild kits, and has for many years: Basic, Master and Deluxe. Please see our Kanter catalog, Packard-specific catalogs, or our website for details: www.kanter.com/packard. You can also order individual parts if you do not wish to order a kit.

2. You are correct that our piston pin bushings are solid and not split like the originals. Solid bushings are the current technology and are easier to install. Split bushings are prone to collapsing when being installed. We improve parts whenever possible (the industry has improved and advanced a lot in the past 50 years!).

3. If you call the general Kanter Auto number, the salesman will not be able to tell you the brand of piston for a Packard V-8. This is our company policy, as many people (and competitors!) try to call us to discover our sources. We do use Egge as a supplier for some pistons, but also at times have NOS Packard, Allied, or other brand pistons in various sizes. All of our pistons are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Regarding the marking of parts sources...just because a Packard dealer sold a "Packard" part in a Packard box did not mean that the part was manufactured by Packard. Bohnalite made pistons for Packard (yes, at various times Packard DID make their own pistons as well), but several companies made the U-joints, front end parts, batteries, frames, wheels, radiators, tires, etc. Packard, like all other auto makers, bought parts from other companies and reboxed them, thus concealing the sources from the public. So do toy companies, computer makers, and all other businesses. Including Kanter Auto Products.

4. Kanter Auto Products and Packards International Club are not affiliated in any way; they are separate organizations. Kanter is in New Jersey, and PI is in California. Kanter does belong to PI and
we receive their newsletter, but that's all.


We have a very knowledgeable Packard Department that is here to serve you. If you call our general sales dept they will not have as much specific information as our Packards only dept, ext 336. If you have any questions - whether they are about price, availability, inoformation about a specific part, or if you want to order or you just want to chat about your Packard - give us a call and we will be happy to help in any way possible.



Thanks and happy motoring,



Fred Kanter

Kanter Auto Products

Proudly in our 51st year in business!