Thanks Wes - a very useful video - I've bookmarked that for future reference.

Thanks for the link John - this document has much clearer pictures than the original service manual.

Thanks Don - this was very useful. It looks like a prior rebuild they stuck on the leather seal when it wasn't needed. Possibly making do with what they had at on hand at the time.

I may take you up on some 'in-person' help in the future - this project is going to tax my mechanical skills - I may have bitten off more than I can chew!

James

In the midst of tearing down the Easamatic system on a '52 300. I have the rebuild kit from Kanter on its way. I've found a lot of useful information in the forum on the disassembly and cleaning - but I still have a couple of questions.

Firstly, the leather seal on the vacuum piston. In all of the literature I can find, it just says install the leather seal on to the rear piston plate.

During the disassembly, the old seal appeared to be attached with some black adhesive. The unit appears to have been re-furbed in the past - so I'm not sure if this adhesive is normal or not?

Should I be sticking the new seal on to the piston plate? Or is it just held in place by the wick and retaining plate? If it is stuck down - what product is recommended to use?

The second question is related to the vacuum diaphragm. The one in the unit appears to be different from the service manual. The smaller return spring in integrated into the diaphragm and is not accessible - possibly a later replacement diaphragm part during the older refurb?. While I've got the unit apart, I think I should replace this diaphragm, but I can't find a source for it - does anyone have any suggestions on where to get one?

Thanks in advance.

James

Many thanks for the document - it gives me a good place to start.

I have had the engine running from a plastic bottle of gas, fed directly into the carb. While it sounded rough - there were no unexpected noises.

I didn't risk putting the car into gear as the brakes are not working at all. I didn't fancy fixing the garage walls as well as the car.

I have recently acquired a 1951 Packard 300 as a Dad and Lad project car. It is in serious need of some TLC to restore it to its former glory.

I'd be interested in advice and suggestions on a good order of operations for the restoration from anyone who has undertaken a similar restoration in the past.

After an initial once over, everything needs at least some work as the car has been sitting for a long time. The good news is the engine is not seized, but I'll strip it down to be sure.

My current thinking is to start on the braking system, then move to the engine and cooling before tackling the electrical.

Once it can stop and go, I can then better evaluate the rest of the mechanical systems and pick them off one by one. Leaving cosmetic issues to the last phase.

Based on the collective knowledge of the forum, is this a reasonable order? Or, should I approach things in a different sequence? Should I combine working on brakes and steering at the same time?