I can't seem to find anything in the Steele Rubber catalog that appears to be the "bumpers" found inside the 55-56 trunk lids. These small rectangular (1 1/2" long) bumpers (there are 2 on the cars) are secured along the edge that comes down and meets the edge of the valance face of the lower trunk body. All examples here on parts Patrician and my 400 are as hard as frozen hockey pucks! Sources appreciated. Thanks.

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Very helpful discussion. Thanks all.

I think as far as fabricating caveats and tips, Packard V8 covered the ground very well. Good practical tips, and a good description of the system itself. I did not know it was that snaky. Never got a good look at one, or did any exhaust work myself, except coat-hanger-and-tin-can stuff when I was a youngster.

The sources are greatly appreciated, too. I imagine NOS parts are getting very rare. I think my dad got some parts from SASCO back in the day. I had no idea that hangers were that big of an issue. Apparently neither do muffler shops!

Can someone comment on the mufflers and resonators themselves? What kind of combinations make the kind of sound you like, and let the engine perform at its best?

Any off-the shelf mufflers and resonators recommended?

The pros and cons of the single versus the dual systems, and what kind of parts are needed for each would help complete the picture. Also, whether the '55s differ at all from the '56. I would assume not, but then I ought not to assume anything.

For anyone acquiring a V8 Packard, I would think this topic would be a primary concern... like if the car's system is no good, how much should the price be adjusted.

Yes, would be an interesting project, but not one I have the energy for. I simply have an 833 with a bad engine (I have the engine). Every once and a while I run across another one (ie a 30, 29, 32 etc) and if they are cheap enough I'll put it into my 833 until such time that the original is re-built. I don't want to alter anything, just trying to simply bolt one up and go.

Dongle

My "new" 1940 Packard 160 (model 1377) has a lot of steering play - about six inches. I think it's too much and have started looking for a rebuilt steering box. Does anybody have any experience (including diagrams, etc,) installing a rebuilt unit and how much play is still acceptable. Right now it feels like I have to anticipate the turns in the road rather than drive properly!

Also, I have a metal light bulb unit below the dash and to the right of the steering column that gets very hot to the touch. Based on my reading of the manuals it seems that it might be the econo-drive indicator but I thought this indicator goes on at about 22 miles per hour and does not stay lit when the car is at rest. This light goes on when I start the car and stays lit. The entire unit holding it, which is made of metal, gets very hot. I am very concerned as to why this unit gets so hot. Is something wrong here? There is a knob between the steering column and the light which looks like it may be the econo-drive control. I am attaching a picture of that light assembly. (not sure if I am attaching properly)

Thanks for any help!

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Under GRP 15.202 the parts manual lists:
410734 all 55th; 56th right
410733 all 55th; 56th left

I'm looking at plate 31D and I don't see any bend in the tie rod end.
There is a pronounced bend in the "tube-cross" (15.2005) if that is what you are referring to but the Bendix part although different is bent also.

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I love your graphic work. keep it coming.

5X4.5". Did you lose yer tape measure?

Does anybody know the lug pattern measurements for a 55 clipper?

Thank you very much! I appreciate it.

Hi

Would any 320 c.i. engine through '39 interchange into an earlier chassis? I'd be interested to know how they differ if they do and why they wouldn't interchange if that's the case.

Interesting original question, fitting a '34 Super Eight 385 c.i. engine into a '31 833 chassis.....somewhat the same approach as the '30 '734; largest engine in the shorter chassis.
Sounds like a good project, your own '31 834! Some body adjustments required, not to mention a longer hood, and a set of 840 or 845 front fenders to make it look right.

Steve