Hey DrMorbius,
I see you're in Spokane... if you aren't afraid of shipping across the border, (and want to get 38% gain on your dollar) you might consider Cancraft Steering in Langley BC. I used them to rebuild my '39 Six steering box and they did a great job. (ref. 'leaking steering box' post by Don B) Chris
https://www.cancraft.com/

Don,
I hear you re 'just getting it running and on the road'. The reason I brought it up was when I bought my '39, there was a lot of play in the steering. I was driving it on the highway (going to a garage to have it looked at) and it locked up! It was slightly off center and 'steering' left, which took me into the oncoming lane. Had anything been coming I would have totalled the car, just a couple of weeks after I bought it! So rebuilding the box wasn't really optional for me. As the Flackmaster clarifies, your '37 setup is different than '39. Again, not sure if your steering box guts are similar to the later '39, but the bearings for mine were all but impossible to find. I took it to a rebuild shop that did nothing but steering boxes and they ended up machinning and adapting some available 1939 Chev bearings and the box was super tight and has stood up well since. We want 'em to go, stop and steer and all three are equally important! LOL Chris

If the Pitman arm is off the steering box shaft, won't that allow you to remove the cross shaft and pull the output shaft? Don's car may be different but I removed my whole steering box and had it rebuilt and replaced it without taking the Pitman arm off the drag link. Also Don, is there any play in your steeing? I'm thinking if all or most of the lube leaked out and the gearbox has been 'cranked dry' there may be considerable wear on the internal bearings. If you are going to the trouble of replacing the seal, maybe a good time to have the unit rebuilt?? Chris.

Just as a tidbit aside, gear clamps are usually designated 'HS', HSS' & 'HAS'. 'HS' have stainless band with galvanized screw and housing; 'HSS' have SS band, SS screw and galvanized housing, while 'HAS' are 'all stainless'. While the designations may vary a bit by manufacturer, the 'all stainless are very much worth the extra cost and don't corrode over time. And, in cases where 2 clamps are involved, always oppose the position of the housings. The tendancy is to line them up to make them look nice and neat but the pressure imposed with a gear clamp is like a teardrop with the point being the housing. Oppsoing them cuts off the leak path. Chris.

Digger Dave,
Trust me - if your engine is rebuilt properly, you won't need the assist on long hills. I can't believe the power my 245 CU has after being completely machined. Hills that used to require a downshift, I now steam up in high gear!
Chris.

I too have the above described setup on my '39 six. It works well and is needed as I usually go weeks in between starts in the summer with my travel schedule. I also worried about the electric pump forcing fuel into the crankcase via a leaking diaphragm but always turn the electric pump off as soon as the engine fires and let the lift pump take over, so I think it is a reasonably safe arrangement. Chris.

Hey Don,
Thanks and same goes re meeting you and Kathy. Fine crowd all around; as you say, it's more than just old cars - the camaraderie and social exchanges go well beyond. Glad you made it home safely. Good luck with your car. Chris.

Hi All.
Just home from our first-ever Hershey to the west coast. Six hours of flying coupled with six hours of driving and a few hours of wait times speckled in amongst the legs, made for a very long day but super-glad we made the trip. Hershey was 'as advertised' and the volume of sights, parts and cars was mind boggling. Got a chance to meet some of the Packard folks and that was indeed a pleasure. Came and went from Johnstown PA, visiting friends there, and the two hour drive to Hershey gave us a chance to see the Pennsylvania countryside in vibrant fall colours. It is a beautiful and history-rich state. We met people from all over and I was struck by the number of attendees that boasted annual attendance for many years. Somewhat of a 'rite of passage' for the old car enthusiast and I certainly felt 'indoctrinated' after walking those many rows of antique parts and Americana memorabilia. Seeing people carting their finds from the site, wagons, dollies and huge bags laden with all manner of pieces right up to whole fenders and hoods, etc. made it clear why Hershey is a vital event in keeping the hobby relevant and antique cars on the road. Doubt it will be our last time there!
Chris.

Kev,
Yes, the excitement builds.... the 2 week weather forecast looks favourable for Hershey and hopefully anyone flying can make their connections without delays or cancellations etc. Look forward to meeting the Packard folks and seeing it all. I printed the maps you posted and we should be able to 'navigate' the show. Major bucket list item!! Chris.

Hi Kev,
The maps and the 'instructions' you posted are very helpful - thanks. I too, am a first-time attendee and look forward to meeting fellow Packardites and seeing as much as possible. The sheer size and scope of this show is indeed, mind-boggling! Sure looking forward to it. Chris.