Set of four 1954 Clipper hubcaps, NOS, two still in the Packard bags. $120/set

1954-55 Clipper tail light housings, very good chrome, no lenses, $90/pair

1954-55 Clipper back-up lights, very good chrome, both lenses have a crack at the mounting point on one side (see picture 2) $80/pair

j57heinz@gmail.com

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Tail fins for 1953-1954 Patrician, Caribbean & Cavalier PN 444208

This pair of tail fins were rechromed at some point. These look excellent from 3 feet away, but they are not perfect. Some pits in the crevasses were not adequately removed before rechroming so they are visible. Close-up pictures show the flaws.

Fin A is nice but has a small dent near the front of the fin. $100 for this fin.

Fin B has some damage from being carelessly removed from a car. There is a repair visible at the front mounting point and a small "notch" is broken out of the rear where it fits over the tail light. This fin may not be usable so I am adding it as a free bonus.

These are 42" long so there is a premium for shipping. Depending on your location, UPS shipping will be about $35.

Contact j57heinz@gmail.com for more pictures

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Refer to picture:
A. 56 Clipper turn lenses NOS (have l&r) $30/each
B. 54-55 clipper tail light interior lenses NOS (have 5) $10/each
C. 55 Clipper turn lenses NOS (have 4) $40/each
D. 56 turn signal, excellent chrome, small chip on edge of lens $45
E. 48-50 Ash tray good chrome $25
F. sold
G. 55-56 senior back up lenses NOS (have 2) $50/each
H. Bezels, good chrome, not sure of application
I. sold
J. ? chrome air cleaner bolt, not sure what it is from
K. 55 Hood letters Excellent chrome $50/set
L. 56 Front Turn/parking signal lens NOS $75
M. sold
N. Rear view mirror bases, chrome & painted $20/each
O. sold
P. Horn buttons & emblems & bezels (11 items) $25/each
Q. Clock, not working $30
R. Front seat knob & gear shift, excellent chrome $25/each
S. Script emblems, excellent chrome $25/each
T. Turn signal knobs, excellent chrome (have 4) $15/each
U. sold
V. 41 Radio delete plate with Packard crest (have 1 left) $30
W. sold

Contact me at j57heinz@gmail.com to order or for more info.

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The front cross member is in the way and makes a couple of the pan bolts very hard to reach. Getting them back in when you are done is doubly hard. I had one pan bolt in particular on my 53 327 that I could not get started in its hole in the block. I finally gave up an put a smaller bolt through from the top (block side) and put a nut on from below. This worked and I don't have any leaks

The pan itself has enough clearance to remove if you turn the crankshaft so that it sits horizontally in the engine. The pan can be slid right out toward the back of the car.

when I reinstalled the pan, I used permatex to "glue" the pan gasket to the pan so it would stay in place.

The pistons, especially 5, 6, 7 & 8 are easily accessible once the pan is removed.

You may be making too big a project out of this. A complete rebuild may not be needed (unless you are a perfectionist)

Looking at your compression numbers, it seems that you only have a problem with #6 and #8. #6 appears to a valve problem and even it isn't bad. #8 appears to be a a ring.

I would pull the head and see what you find. I once had a similar low reading in only one cylinder. Upon inspection, I found a cracked piston. I only replaced the one piston and rings. I replaced the piston with the engine in the car. That was 30,000 miles ago and the engine is still running strong.

You may just need to re-ring the one cylinder. And maybe hone the valves. You just don't know until you pull the head.

#3 cylinder is a real puzzler. I don't think that I've ever seen compression this high in a straight 8 Packard.

I have been using Optima batteries for many years and they have all lasted lots longer than 5 years. I currently have one in my 39 Packard that is over 10 years old. I have one in my 53 that is now five years old and it replaced an Optima battery that was 12 years old.

The Optima 6 volts have 800 Cranking amps and no liquid acid to spill. You'll never see a corroded terminal on an Optima battery.

A question was raised about the how long tires last. I have a set of Diamondback radial on my 53 that are almost 20 years old and they are still in great shape. The biggest enemy of your tires from an age standpoint is the sun. So if your car is garaged most of the time, your tires will last many years.

Tire manufacturers have a different opinion however, and you will find recommendations that tires be replaced every 5-8 years. Many tire shops will not fix flats on tires older than this. Keep in mind however that their recommendation is to cover their ass for liability purposes. They have to base their recommendation on the worst case scenario.

I have 39 120 sedan that has a set of Lester bias plys. I have been very happy with these tires. A lot of the "road wander" that bias plys exhibit is due to tread design. The '39 was terrible before I got new tires but now I realize that most of it was due to the old tires being worn out.

A few days ago, I was watching a documentary on the history of bluegrass music on PBS. During the program they talked about Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs doing the soundtrack for the movie "Bonnie & Clyde" and releasing a recording of songs from the movie. . The cover of the record album had a Packard on it. I've attached picture of the album.

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Thanks for the replies. I have passed this info on to my friend and will update when I find out if anything worked.

The center hole on the wheel is 3.5"