Nothing new to add other than to corroborate what others have said. I use the same procedure whether it's the Packard or Continentals on my twin Cessna. Prime, crank until I see oil pressure, then light the mags / coil.

Another data-point to add to Marston's observations: The operating manual for the IO-470s in my Cessna 310 (admittedly very different beasts though) says no more than 30sec of cranking followed by a 5min cool down before further attempts. I don't think I'd feel comfortable cranking my 526 for 30 seconds straight, but then it usually catches immediately so I've never had to go there.

Here's your answer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YSS-BcXZKk

Hi rrhorton,

I too tried to answer to the same question for my 5-26. As I'm sure you know, the body, VIN, and engine numbers don't match, but should have roughly the the same relative low or high values if original.

For instance, the brass tag on my rear floorboard indicates 303 (Sedan, despite what the model index on this site says) 2989. That suggests it's an early 5th series--a conclusion also supported by my low VIN, wooden steering wheel, and high-mounted choke / advance knobs.

The best resource I could find for production numbers and dates is the Packard production record from 1930. See page 16 specifically. The 1929 record is interesting too, but doesn't provide end vehicle / motor numbers.

As far as pinning down an approximate date, here's the best I could come up with: My VIN is 129004, which means it was the 3,991st 5-26 manufactured of 41,787 total. Production of the 5th series ran from July of 1927 through July of 1928, so all things otherwise being equal (which, granted, isn't a safe assumption...), there were ~3,214 5th series cars built per month. My educated guess, therefore, is that my car was manufactured around August of 1927, although it's titled as a '28.

If you figure out a more accurate method, I'd love to hear it!

Just a thought: For Sale, Wanted, Trade

Sorry I can't be of help on this one. I know for certain the junction you seek has been modified on my car. As Owen suggested, Adam with the 533 is a great resource and a really nice guy.

Gorgeous! And to think I recently called into question the value of pre-war sedans...

They are Watsons, yes. They weren't connected when I purchased the car. I bought a set of clamps a while back, but I haven't yet gotten around to strapping them.

To be honest though, I'm a little reluctant to connect them. The car only ever sees gentle use on good pavement, and I haven't really missed having damping. I'd hate to break the old straps or an assembly. Perhaps I'll get them rigged up, but only connect them for shows.

I jacked up the front end of my 526 to unload the suspension (needed to adjust my Pilot Rays anyway) and took a couple of pictures. No steering linkage interference with the springs that I can see.

What I do see, however, is that I need to get under there with some de-greaser...

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+1

I used the "ceramic" variant of the product Howard describes on my front timing chain cover, vibration damper, water pump, and valve cover. It was easy to apply uniformly, and is holding up great.

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/auto/specialty-paints/ceramic-engine-enamel

I definitely hear what you're saying OD, but that was 81 years ago. I do wonder what those numbers look like today. I'd posit that a far greater percentage of those open cars have survived given their near immediate collectibility. I'm not suggesting they outnumber sedans, but I'd also be very surprised to discover that the split is still 80/20.

For my part, I think Steve hit the nail right on the head.

Anyway, I appreciate everyone's opinions. Thank you for indulging this sedan owner his musings. I knew what I was getting into when buying a sedan from the red-headed 5th series, and would happily do so again. Now, I'm off to drive the old girl in a local parade. Happy 4th everyone (US members at least)!