Re: Front disc brakes for 1941-47 Clippers

Posted by Craig the Clipper Man On 2013/4/23 18:39:39

I think this is a really fascinating topic. My car has lap belts (not original), a modern sealed battery (not original), and radial tires (not original). Those so-called purists at the poo-poo shows take off points for these; but as far as I am concerned, when I am driving my Clipper in modern Northern Virginia traffic or on an interstate with cars blowing around me at 80 mph, the thought of no seat belts and bias-ply tires is about as appealing as having to crank start my engine. My point is, if Packard had had the option of using radial tires, it would have done so. They are simply better in every way than bias ply and anyone who insists on those when they can use modern radial tires on their Packards is simply an idiot.

I am very interested to know more about the bolt-on disc brakes because like radials, no manufacturer I know of today still uses drum brakes. The Easmatic system may be an issue, but I am sure someone has thought about that in the design. The No. 1 issue for anyone who wants to actually drive his/her Packard on modern roads vs. trailering it from one show to another is safety -- both for the Packard driver and his passengers and for other drivers on the road.