Re: Mike P 1955 400 Slow Resto Thread!

Posted by Leeedy On 2022/6/11 9:38:59
[quote]
Packardfan wrote:
Hey guys I purchased the Packard in the link below for $8,800 and that is including shipping. I am having it shipped from Washington to my house and should be arriving Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Thank you to everyone who chimed in on my original thread [quote]


I believe this 1955 Four Hundred was in the collection of Harold LeMay at least since the 1970s. Mr. LeMay passed many years ago.

For those who don't know who Mr. LeMay was, he had probably the largest privately-owned collection of vintage collector cars and trucks in the world. I counted over 3500 many years ago when I was doing some volunteer work at the family's museum. (By the way, there are two LeMay museums in Washington: one large fancy one with bequeathed cars in Tacoma...and the family's personal, more informal but fabulous museum in Spanaway).

This 1955 Four Hundred looks to be in quite good condition, except for minor cosmetics. These ought to easily be spotted in. The original nitrocellulose lacquer looks good enough to take a good detailing and shine. A set of wide-whitewall tires ought to put it back into spectacular visual appearance.

It is unlikely that this Packard saw any harsh weather because I believe it was stored indoors in one of Mr. LeMay's numerous buildings. I would be surprised if there was any serious rust in this Packard. I would also not be surprised if the mileage shown on the odometer is actual and not rolled over.

RE: power steering leak... These most often occur in the ram seal after extended years of sitting. Like with convertible top rams, people jump into such a car after sitting for extended periods and right away begin racking the steering without lubing the seal or cleaning the shiny ram rod. First result: torn seal. Easily addressed here and of course in hoses. Look for a little dangling drip of power steering fluid at the ram under the front end.

Word to the wise: don't kneel on the front seat for any reason. Your upholstery will appreciate it and give you years of beautiful appearance.

Good luck with this nice Four Hundred.

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