Re: Purchase assistance needed

Posted by HH56 On 2017/1/12 18:25:19

Unless the owner did all the work himself, if it was a frame off resto I expect he has more than the asking price in the car. I agree that for a Clipper it is overpriced and except for a Caribbean, maybe even for a Packard too. I doubt he will recoup his investment.

Weak spots in 55s were the transmission and in V8s of both years, engine oiling issues. If the car has had the transmission updates as issued by Packard at the time and any later updates found by experience and installed by competent mechanics it should be as reliable as the 56s have become. Modern fluids and linings are a big improvement over the original fluids and cork linings but options to install a modern GM transmission are also available. The engine oiling issue is an ongoing subject with both 55 and 56 cars. The latest solution seems to be installation of an Olds oil pump conversion to eliminate the original pump and some of the perceived issues it might have had. Many of those conversions have been installed to apparently complete satisfaction. The oil pump replacement does require the removal of the crankcase mounted aux vacuum pump for the windshield wiper motor so that is another project to consider. Some have installed electric wipers and others have reverted back to dual function fuel pumps to supply the aux vacuum source.

Torsion level is quite reliable and requires no special maintenance. 55 is a bit different than 56 with the 55 electrical components all being under the car and a slightly different mechanical arrangement. The exposed electrical components are subject to road moisture and being hit by debris. If it still has the original 55 control switch then as long as waterproofing is kept intact over the exposed terminals and the bracket the limit switch and solenoids are mounted on is not bent or damaged by road debris all should be fine.