Wednesday 16th April 2008

Only spent a few hours at the workshop this morning. In that time scraped the undersides of the front behind the bumper splash shields and some other smaller pieces and Marine cleaned them.

On the way home purchased an International Money Order, for the Aero Drive knob I required, for Yesterday's Radio and mailed it off. Interesting that their price was US $30.00 plus US $11.00 shipping while the two other quotes I received from major Packard parts vendors were both 50% higher for the knob and 200% and 400%+ for the shipping and handling charges. Sure pays to shop around. So thanks to Clipper 47, I think it's Dave, for recommending Yesterday's Radio.

It's not all uncommon to remove the pump bowl and find it completely chocked full with rust and crud. Those pumps with the steel bowl and thru-bolt are often the worst offenders. The inner surface of the bowl is sometimes so corroded (consequence of moisture in the gas) that it should be coated before replacing.

I installed a set of wide white Diamond Backs on my 1952 300 4 door. The initial price hurt a little, but it was the best money I spent. I had previously worn out two sets of biased ply wide whites. The improvement in handling was amazing. They have been on the car for 8 years and many thousands of miles. They show no wear. The whitewalls are still white. They have not turned brown like Cokers tend to do. If I live long enough to wear them out, they will be replaced with an identical set. I love them.

Thanks BigKev, it worked smoother than a watermelon seed going through a goose!

Yes the pump puts out a pretty healthy splurt. Will check the screen and if the float is stuck. Thanks for the feedback appreciate it.

otg

I have added a few more photo albums, on the gen rebuild, the gen cut-out/regulator, and the beginning of the engine tear down. Also added a new blog entry on the start of the engine tear down.

Visitpackardpaddock.com to learn more!

Cheers,

Tom

PV-8, most of the reversing relays, or pushbutton control relay (or whatever else it has been called) I have seen are mounted just below the lip of the fender, within 6" vertically. In looking at the number of cars I have serviced or at least looked at to diagnose/enjoy, I have come up with a theory that there was no template at the Conner plant to insure that these components were mounted in an absolute uniform placement, I think one guy just grabbed one of each component and started drilling and screwing. They are all a little different. And every car seems to have one or two holes in that area that aren't necessary.

Barrie, it's ok, I don't need them now, as I didn't get the bathtub Packard I was looking for, as well as the '52 I was hoping on. So, to paraphrase and old saying, "Ask the man who BUILDS one!"

Tuesday 15th April 2008

Spent the day at the workshop cleaning front bumper brackets, numerous over-rider fittings that didn't require to be chromed and some of the sheet metal items off the front end. Most of this was done standing at the bench grinder with the wire wheel, got nipped a few times on the fingers by the wheel but survived to tell the tale. Found that some of the brackets had been replaced by DIY or other fittings, One of the two fender stays behind the front wheels had been modified. It has a bend in it and one of the mountings has been cut/broken off and a new hole drilled. One of the splash shields between the bumper and the car has a homemade bracket while another of the brackets has an extra hole drilled and by which it is mounted to the splash shield.

Attach file:

---

  (19.63 KB)


  (39.92 KB)

Hi 50 Pack

Welcome! I am also the owner of 1950 standard 8, but with 3speed on the tree. A wonderfull car. I think the advise you got already should be very helpfull. Mine works fine but I converted to 12v negative ground and installed a 12v fuel pump. I do however have issues starting after it has sat for a week. Have to use the choke. Hope you come right and keep at it.

Turbopackman, I can also get that measurements for you if I remember! The engine bay is quite narrow and gets narrower to the front. Length should not be a problem.