Re: 55 newbie Questions
Posted by Leeedy On 2017/10/19 16:58:20
Quote:
Whippersnapper55 wrote:
Hey guys I have compiled a list of questions I have as a newbie with my 55 clipper constellation custom.
Question 1. My car did not come with the key what do you guys recommend for me to do for an ignition key,
Question 2. My car also did not come with the radiator. What do you think the cheapest solution for me is?
Question 3. How is the twin ultramatic transmission, do you like it?
Question for. What known an available transmission adapters are there for the V8 352?
Question 5. What oil weight, recommended spark plugs and wires, and Cooling do you use? Do you go to places like O'Reilly's for parts and RockAuto?
Question 6. I would like to get rid of the Packard wheel hubs so I could fit any Wheels I would want has anybody ever done this. And has anybody ever done any disc conversions?
Question 7. How hard is it to find the manual transmissions 4 the Packard V8?
Question 8. Is the VIN located on the door, 8 numbers in total?
Question 9. Where can I find the parts to the torsion bar suspension setup?
Thank you for looking at my questions you don't have to answer all of them yourself, I know I'm asking a lot sorry everybody have a good day thank you guys so much.
RE: Key blanks for your car... It used a standard Briggs & Stratton automotive key blank, but in reverse of GM cars. Any good locksmith ought to be able to easily cut a new key for you, especially if you remove the ignition switch and take it to him. Be sure to hold the bezel in place while pushing (compressing) the switch toward you while twisting the switch to detach. Quite easy to do once you get the hang of it. Use care and avoid forcible twisting which can break off the fragile pin hooks on the bezel. Removing the glove box can certainly make the process easier if you've never done it before.
RE: Radiator... With the jillions of used Packard radiators around there is no reason on earth why either of the fellows selling used Packard V8 parts in either San Diego or Minnesota or elsewhere all over the country can't supply you quickly, reasonably and easily with a used or NOS radiator.
RE: the Ultramatic transmission... I'm not a fan of customizing and changing these cars all around, so I'll quickly admit this. Why all of the clamour to yank these transmissions (and do twice the work you would to simply fix what is there) today is a mystery. The Ultramatic for your car was a very fine piece of engineering-which, properly maintained and driven sensibly, should be very reliable. And ... after all... it is part of the car. To each his own, but I view yanking these transmissions as similar to removing your middle fingers to replace them with somebody else's navel. Why? I know others have had Ultramatic issues... but In all of the V8 Packards I've owned- and there were a pile of them... I never had an Ultramatic go out on me. And I have rebuilt a couple on my own back in the 1970s... which as far as I know are still functioning today. Which is the second problem... these transmissions need to be rebuilt properly... not just "re-sloshed." And for an Ultramatic, the proper rebuild always begins with a proper disassembly... which is rarely done. Then folks are later shocked when the trans doesn't work!
RE: the "VIN" location... The vehicle serial number plate was always located on the driver's side door jamb... visible with the door open while looking forward. There are people online, in the Packard Club and in this forum who can answer just about any question on the plate and numbers pressed onto it.
Anyway, for what it's worth...This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=196740