Guscha wrote:
Quote:

Gerd,

Your statement would be true if the black paint absorbs infra-red, but I am not sure the pigments actually absorb much in that part of the spectrum. Black absorbs visible light very well (the entire spectrum), and thus heats up. So, I think, the paint will primarily be an insulator relative to heat transfer from inner to outer surfaces; unless the coating has a very high content of a metal that with greater heat conductance that the aluminum (as you stated).

Dave, I am relying on my not so great memory of pigment chemistry, so please correct me if I am wrong.

Edit: Pigments do absorb in the infra-red, but probably not enough to overcome the insulating effect of the resin matrix they are suspended in. An old article on infra-red spectroscopy for identifying inorganic pigments is here:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac50164a025

The antenna body or if present a small wire out of the motor lead is ground. The motor has two separate oppositely wound field coils tied together at one side of armature, other side of armature to case ground. Only one of the lead wires used at a time--one is up, the other down. The center of up/down switch connects to the circuit breaker.

From what I can see, maybe 2' of the nylon has broken off. The usual failure, aside from broken mast is for various reasons the mast sticks but motor keeps turning and either breaks or wears a spot in the nylon. Once the worn spot hits the drive rollers, it rarely goes any further & just gets worse.

New repro mast assys were or are available for a price from some of the vendors, but have not been able to find just the nylon for either style antenna

I've had very good luck using the rubber freeze plugs which are tightened by a nut in the middle. Any parts store carries them and they expand out to cover a number of sizes.

Quote:

Thanks for that heads-up, fredrickr. The info I looked up is fairly similar. Until May 1, 1956, the TL was available as an option on the Deluxe, was a mandatory option on the Custom (and presumably standard or mandatory option on all the seniors including the Exec). After May 1, TL was standard on all Clippers and Packards.

So there undoubtedly were some '56 Deluxe models with standard suspension. It seems like any '56 model without TL would be a rarity, if you were (un)lucky enough to find one (but if anyone could just happen to have one in his stable, it would be the Dragon man).

(The info is from Kimes, which is generally a reliable source. I wonder if actual production numbers by suspension type might exist somewhere for '55-'56?)

Anyway, buyer beware. I've inquired about some '55 Clippers and my first question is, "Does it have TL suspension" and often the answer has been "no." And one has to be careful about '56 Clippers, too. Good to know that.


AL,

Sorry to hear about that renter situation. I've been spoiled by great long-term renters in my triplex. You reminded me how lucky I've been. I hope your situation takes a turn for the better soon.

Quick response from the PI pros!

Howard, Owen-

I look forward to making that spanner wrench.

Is there a way i can bench test the antenna motor by putting 6 volts across it? I only remember 2 wires going to the motor, so it must automatically retract and when powered it extends...correct? I know it's supposed to be connected to the radio...

BigKev-

Thanks for the detailed repair on your damper. I need to keep referring to your build during mine. Thanks again!

Any 51-54 non-convertible model. Great cars and super cheap prices.

Okay guys, I've got a new question for you. In your humble opinion, what is the most UNDERVALUED Packard model at sales and auctions right now? Personally, I feel the '41-'47 Clippers are greatly undervalued for what they are, quality and style-wise. Of course I own a '41, but that has nothing to do with it! he he he :)

Carl,

Sometimes freeze plugs are also called core plugs (which they really are).

I have to agree. I've been a subscriber to Automobile magazine for over 15 years, and have decided to let my subscription run out.

Modern cars have become so homogenized, a Chevy is a Pontiac is a Opel is a Holden is a Toyota. Quality of cars, even American ones, is at an all time high, but there seems little be excited about lately. I see pics and articles about show cars cool styling and upcoming technologies, but am always disapointed when the new models come out. Everthing is dumbed-down and bland.

I do my research on any particular model I may be interested in actually buying, other than that it's no longer compelling enough to keep up with the others.

I get much more satisfaction from reading Collectible Automobile or Hemmings.

I would hate to see Hot Rod go though. It's always good to see someone do something interesting with cars.(Psst, don't tell anyone I approve of modifying old cars!)

Carl,

Take a look at the last entry on my project blog for information on replacing the vent flapper seal.