I just git another 327 for my 53 Clipper after the stock 327 threw a rod. But this engine was out of an automatic car (I'm keeping the 3spd) so it doesn't have a pilot bearing in it. I'm gonna go get measurements later and order a bearing, burger I'm not sure if its a bearing or a bushing for these. Also, if anyone know the measurements for this?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

I've done a search but came up with nothing... I'm making new door panels for my 53 Clipper DeLuxe, but I can't get the door and window handles off. There is no clip behind them like I'm used to on most other old cars.... Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Does anybody have a template of where to mount spotlights on a '53? I have a set of Unity spots, not sure of the model number off the top of my head. I know it requires 42 and 42RH mounts... Just not sure where exactly to mount them so not to interfere with other stuff inside the car. Also, does anyone know what length of shaft I need? I have quite a few other spots to rob parts from...

Thanks in advance,
-Forrest

Well this is kind of embarrassing.... It turns out the "rod knock" was actually coming from the vacuum pump. My shop teacher and I put the electronic ear all over the engine, and as soon as we put it on the vacuum pump it was obvious. Is this a common occurrence?

I dropped the oil pan today, just to check things out. It appears that it was gone through probably in the 80s before it was parked. The bearings are all almost brand new -still well with factory specs, not even in the wear limit range. The cylinders are clean, very light scoring, but nothing that says "Machine me!" I still suspect it has a stuck or broken ring though, just due to the smoking. Everything is surprisingly clean in there though. Much more so then I suspected.

The crank has 327 cast into it. Does this mean the crank is from a 327? I was pretty sure the engine is a 288, but I suppose somebody have swapped in a bigger crank since apparently it was rebuilt at some point. I don't know how common it is to do that though.

Thanks everybody for all the help! I appreciate immensely.

"suddenly bite the dust" is a matter of opinion I suppose... I mean, it is an all original engine, never been opened up, that sat in a barn for 25 years. It only has 75,000 miles on it, and ran like new though, no problems at all. Then one night I was on the highway and it started to knock real bad and was billowing smoke out the exhaust pipe like a friggin freight train. I'm leaning towards a trany problem as far as the knock goes now, seeing as it only occurs when the car is in gear and not when its parked in neutral. I'm pullinng the engine it shop class after winter break is over and I'm going to tear it down. I might throw a T10 or a Saginaw behind it as well if the trans turns out to be bad too.

so the 288 in my '53 finally bit the dust a few nights ago while I was on the highway... Time for a rebuild. But the down side is Packard parts are pretty pricey when you're on a tight budget. My question is this: dose anybody out there know what parts are interchangeable with other stuff? The rings look pretty close to 265 Chevy, but I don't know if they'd work for sure. Also, will bearings from anything else fit? I appreciate all the help!!! Thanks!

There appears to be only a 0 mark on the balancer, but with the advice of an old man down the street I advance the timing until it idled rough and then backed it off til it smoothed out. This seems to help a bit, but still doesn't solve the problem completely. Could it be a problem with the vacuum advance? It seems to work fine, but perhaps it doesn't perform as good under load?

I have been trying to tune the straight 8 in my '53 Clipper, and I cant seem to get the timing right. It idles ok, but at high RPMs under load it seems to flutter out. I have it set to 0 degrees right now. Would advancing it solve the problem?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the help. The first posting of my car in the registry was put there by accident, so it may be deleted. Thanks again.

im new to packards, so this might be a dumb question- does anyone out there know, or know where i can fin out, what ratios are my trany? its a 3 speed manual w/ OD. any help is greatly apreciated. thanks.