Call me old fashioned, but based on your description, I'd run like hell from this one....I agree that wine, women and roses are all a matter of personal taste, but at some point, you look bit bizarre if your choices reflect basic masochism. Aside from location and urge, there's nothing special about this particular car that would allow you to overlook reality and the looming nightmare project it has to be?

I agree that you buy the best available, even if it means travelling a bit further or spending a bit more. In the long run, it;s a far more satisfying experience. In your case, "Let the ride decide" isn't nearly as relevant as 'Quality will be remembered long after price is forgotten'.

Hi guys,

My otherwise unrestored '54 Patrician is missing the under hood insulation blanket. I'd like to replace this, the only one that I see available is the black vinyl padded one that I know is correct for the '55-56. My understanding is that the original pre '55 is a fiberglass pad that looks a lot like the yellow home insulation, covered with a thin wire screening, although I cannot verify this. Can someone help me?

I agree with the others here. I'd add that it's a good idea to drop the valve body and clean that out, too. I'll probably open a can of worms here with this, but I tried my '54 Ultramatic with Type F and the with Dex III, and the Dex is the clear winner for smoothness.

You've got a lot on your maintenance schedule there, it's best to go slowly and take your time...the saying that taking apart an old car..even for routine stuff...always is slower and more complicated than it seems.

Hi Guys,

'54 Patrician here, I noticed a significant leak coming from the passenger side tube and connector that goes into the window lift reservoir from the firewall, as the window makes it's way right to the top of the track.

I'm probably dreaming here to think I can get a NOS part from the usual sources, but it would be helpful if one of the more knowledgeable members could accurately identify this part for me so I know what to ask for.

Thanks!

My name's Bobby and I'm a Packardholic! And I'm delighted to be here. I have a '54 (Mostly original and extremely fine) Black Patrician which I have had the privilege of tending to for about 16 years. My philosophy is to maintain and preserve, there's no substitute for originality. Just like it left East Grand Blvd. I'm happy to offer my advice and experience to others, please ask.

Right now, I've been on a quest to find a replacement for the hood blanket, the original has long ago bought the farm, and every time I open that big, yawning hood, the nudity of the underside offends my sensibilities. I understand that the original was a fiber material with a screen like cover, anyone know if there are currently any repros available...or maybe *gasp!* NOS?

Thanks!,
Bobby