Bernardi, I've downloaded and printed-off SB #340 and the linkage looks pretty straight in this diagram. Cheers, John

If we're talking about the adjustable accelerator linkage, no mine is straight. I've been thinking about this measurement issue and I'm now thinking, correct me if I'm wrong, that all that is doing is essentially setting the height of the accelerator pedal. Once done, then the more important step is setting the tranny shift linkage.

Three pic's are attached to show my setup. Pic 1 is how it was when I left it last night. Pic 2 shows the rod disassembled from the adjuster - you can see there is about 1/4" ahead of the lock nut, which is still in the assembled position. I've now relocated the tranny linkage to the centre hole (pic 3), adjusted the setting and taken the old girl for a short test run. All seemed to be working properly with perhaps slightly smoother shifts, and shifting into lockup from start at around 30 - 35 mph. It seems to be holding in lockup longer than before, which is probably what we want. However, it did groan (only once) after upshifting when going up a reasonably short but steep incline. As a result, I've followed Ross' advice and moved the lever back towards the firewall about 1/8". I haven't test driven the car since but will adjust this way again if the groan persists. Cheers, John

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G'day Gents, well I tried to adjust it all up like the the service bulletin says and for my car, it's impossible! When adjusting the accelerator rod to the desired 3 3/8" to 3 1/2", the two pieces separated before we got there - there's not enough length in the threaded piece to allow it. The best I could do while still retaining some strength in the join between the two pieces is just over 3 3/4", so I locked it up at that. Given this, I wasn't sure whether I should worry about the tranny linkage being in the centre or top hole, so left it in the top for now. However, I did adjust it by applying slight forward pressure (towards radiator). Both levers appear to be in a similar position to the diagram, so hopefully this is good. Unfortunately I ran out of time for a road test but hope to tomorrow. Cheers, John

Thanks guys, that's very informative. When I got my car the linkage was in the top hole so based on what I now know, I'll change it to the centre hole and fiddle with the adjustments and check the shift pattern. It seemed OK before but maybe it hasn't been as good as it could be. Cheers, John

I've just been browsing through some service counselors and was interested to read in Vol 30. No 5 the recommended method of adjusting the accelerator linkage for the twin ultramatic. I will check to make sure the measurements on my '56 Patrician line up correctly. However, one thing I noticed which confuses me is that after making these adjustments, it advises to proceed with the other adjustments as described in Service Buletin 56T-7. The service counselor diagram and also the description in the bulletin both indicate that the linkage is located in the centre hole, whereas the service manual clearly specifies the top hole. Which is correct and what are the implications of having the linkage in the top hole? Cheers, John

Thanks for the advice fellas, especially the part's name. Fortunately, if I can put it that way, my lock adapter broke while I was trying to shut the trunk and I only found out it was broken when the latch wouldn't snib. I doubt I would have thought of the through back seat method of raising the lid, and hopefully will never have to try it. I must say, the cord I now have attached to the latch and dangling out the lid lock hole works very effectively - won't keep thieves out though! I looked at the other thread and now see how a fix could be made and will have a go at something like that as '56's are very thin on the ground in Australia and it will be almost impossible to find a spare adapter. By the way, the rod uses the c-clip system and doesn't have the drilled hole. The one I will try to make up will use a split pin. It's about 4 1/8" long, centre to centre of the hole and pin. Cheers, John

Once more I'm in need of some specialist advice from you experts. I've sustained a breakage to the component that attaches to the bottom of the trunk lock barrel of my '56 Patrician. This component provides that attaching point for the lever to the trunk (we say boot) latch. It's die-cast and doesn't look very robust (see bottom two bits in pic) and I don't know if it's repairable or replacements are available (I haven't found any info about either yet). I'm advised that this lock mechanism applies to '56 models only and I'm not sure whether it's different between seniors or juniors. Cheers, John

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G'day Howard,

Yes, there was a big problem regarding that, particularly front right side. It seemed to me that when the carpet was cut the pattern wasn't centred over the material, leaving one side "shorter" than the other and not fitting properly under the sill plate (actually mostly not reaching). Also, the quality of the (wool) carpet was pretty poor with thin spots in the backing and some small tufts missing. Complaints to SMS resulted in a new roll of carpet being sent out in replacement, but no recompense for the making-up. My son-in-law said it was a pretty poor job all round, but most likely done by a sub-contractor rushing to try and make a buck. Didn't make me any happier though. Cheers, John

G'day Mates,

My son-in-law runs his own motor trimming business and he retrimmed my '56 Patrician (I was the apprentice). I opted for original fabric, imported from SMS, and combined it with dark grey leather instead of the original dark cloth. We stuck precisely to the original design, apart from the rear of the front seat which was done entirely in dark leather, but with a stitch pattern the same as original. While everything was apart I fitted lap sash seat belts front and rear - some might not know that there is a bolt hole in the centre piller to attach the upper seat belt fitting. I can't quite remember but maybe we changed the format for the arm rests as well. I'm very happy with the upholstery job but not so the carpets. I also bought a pre-made set from SMS but the quality wasn't good and the fit even worse. Hopefully there are a couple of pic's for you have a look at. Cheers, John

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G'day Big Kev,

Both John King and I (John Payne) from Melbourne, Australia, are seriously considering coming over for this event. Me mainly to visit USA for the first time and to meet the previous owner of my '56 Patrician, Dick Benjamin, from Temecula, CA. Dick B was a personal friend of Dick Teague and actually drove this Patrician in his funeral procession. The other John is in his element fossicking around swap meets so that's his main interest. I'll look out for you to say g'day if we get there. Cheers, John