I would like to 2nd that thank you. While I don't have a '54, mine is a '51, your blog has given me the inspiration and tips to make my restoration easier.

alan

A quick update and questions:

First the updated. Not a lot has happened in the last month. The engine is still in the shop being worked on. After total disassembly and cleanup there were not major problems with it. Going with a +.030 bore and and a -.010 on the crank.

The front suspension is totally disassembled, cleaned, and waiting for me to paint it. That will happen when the respirator I just ordered comes in next week. I was tired of getting high while painting and respirators are finally back in stock with a more reasonable delivery time.

Now the question:

It is now time to go into the Ultramatic. I have rebuilt an automatic trans in the past (Ford C-4) so that part of this does not scare me. However I have no experience with Packards. So I am looking for any advice from those that have done so.

1) Should I open up the converter?
2) Should I disassemble the valve body?
3) What should I look for in terms of wear items and known issues.
4) Is the Kanter rebuild kit the one to go for?


I have an original copy of the "Serviceman's Training Book" so that will help.

The car has 129K miles and has been sitting since 1965. When we drained the ATF it looked OK and did not smell particularly burnt.

As always, thanks in advance.

Alan

Awesome.

Thanks guys. I assumed the backing plate went directly after the shims. Just wanted to make sure.

Any advice on the drum diameter?

Alan

More progress today.

Master Cylinder rebuild and installed
Brake pedal arm installed
New brake lines for the front and main line going to rear installed

Started reassembling the rear brakes and ran into a bit of a snag. I can't remember the order of assembly of the backing plate/shims/etc.

Does it go:
Shim(s), backing plate, gasket, grease seal plate, gasket, oil deflector plate?

or

Shim(s), gasket, backing plate, grease seal plate, gasket, oil deflector plate?

Forgot to take pictures and the only exploded views I can find don't show the backing plate in the stack up.

Thanks as always for the help

Alan

P.S. Also asked in another post with no answer. What is the max diameter of the brake drum? Mine need to be turned to clean them up.

Thank you Ross

Today I welded up the cracks in the frame and finished painting it and the brake backing plates.

Started to rebuild the master cylinder and now have questions. Below is a photo of how I think the parts go back in the master cylinder. Referencing the way they came out was not an option as I had to "help" the old parts out so parts went everywhere (D'OH). Looking at the "Serviceman's Training Manual: Brakes and Easamatic" it appears to be correct. What I don't see is where the rubber washer/gasket circled in blue goes.

I would appreciate any feed back from those that are more familiar with Packards than I.

An additional question: What is the max diameter for the drums? I would like to get mine turned to clean them up and don't know how close they are to the service limit.

As always, thanks for the input.

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Well the engine is out and at the machine shop. After de-greasing the cross member under the engine we found 3 cracks. There is 4th crack in the frame on the right side just behind the spring/shock mount. Question: Is/was frame cracking a common problem among Packards?

Below are pictures of 2 of the 3 in the cross member. I drilled the holes to relieve stress before welding them.

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Today's exercise was to talk to a machine shop about the engine. We will be taking it in later this week or early next. The owner of the shop was actually kind of excited to get it.

Thank you

Looking for advice on getting the locking pin out so I can remove the King Pins. I have tried knocking them out, both directions. Wouldn't budge. Maybe I am being too timid? Is there a specific direction?

Searched the forums, but no hits.