I received a very prompt reply from Stuart at Kanter regarding shoes. They are bonded, ready to go. This is where I will get them. Many thanks to those who replied.

I see that Kanter offers the shoe and lining set for about 70.00 each axle which would be about what a reliner would charge. Are these shoes ready to go? I don't want to fiddle around with linings and rivets. No specialty shops near me. None of parts stores know of a relining service. I called a few shops around and no one knows of anyone who does cars. They all know re-liners that do big rigs - semi tractor and the like. Used be a good brake shop about 85 miles from me - but they closed a few years ago. They did my 51 Imperial and I was very pleased...Anyone have experience with Kanter shoes?

Well, I got my new brake hoses, and I found new wheel cylinders at the local parts store, and even bought a new master cylinder. However, I am having "issues" with parts store who have NO listings for any brake shoes for my 51 Patrician. Does anyone know of a modern crossover number - or will I need to get one of those kits on-line and have them riveted together? I like to shop local.... I have NAPA, Autozone, O'Reilly"s, Carquest and Knecht's. At least the guys at Napa knew what a Packard was. The guys at Knecht's were very helpful, but their books weren't old enough for shoes.

I was in the same boat a few months ago. I have since reconsidered and decided to stay with the I8 engine. I had the same compression issues - took the head off and found sticky valves. Got 'em all freed up. Gonna lap the valves in, slap it back together and see how the compression is. Like Kevin says, your car, your project. Realize either option will take work, time and $$, each about the same.

RE: 54 Clipper in Dallas CL......sorry, cool yes, but looks nothing like a 55 chevy and I didn't know those were 'original' wheels.....

I'd love to have that continental kit!

Punctuation too.....

"Let's eat Grandma"

or

"Let's eat, Grandma!"

With my 50's Chryslers - yes, they were very heavy handling. The Chryslers and DeSotos of the era with the Hemi engine were the worst - good power, but very heavy noses and poor brakes for that much weight and power. The power-steering was very light - somewhat unsettling compared to today's technology. Seemed like zero 'feel'. I agree on the build quality - almost overkill. What most manufacturers put together with 4 bolts, Chrysler Corp used eight. Very sturdy. I agree the Dodge and Plymouth models felt lighter - but most of mine had sixes.

I am encouraged with what has been shared by Packard owners. I am looking forward to seeing what my Patrician drives like.

The 57 was a sweet ride. 2 door hardtop, Shell Pink body,Copper Bronze metallic top. Great road car, plenty of power from a wedge engine and I love the graceful fins. Took me 3 cars and 5 years to finish.

Thanks for all of the comments.
I wouldn't consider myself an amateur. I've restored a 1957 Chrysler Windsor and a 1954 New Yorker. Nearly all of my experience has been with Chrysler Products from 1950 to 1973 or so. I've owned literally dozens of them. Certainly my favorite marques.

Definitely an amateur with Packards however. My 51 Imperial drove like a truck with the stock suspension. The 54 New Yorker was slightly better with radials. The 57 Windsor with torsion bar suspension was great. The best thing I did for that car was converting to front disc. Easy bolt-in swap. Made a world of difference in driving and piece of mind. My favorite to date was the 66 300 I had.

I have never condoned "cutting a car up". Having never driven a 51 Packard (or any Packard for that matter) I'm not sure what to expect. I really don't want it to behave like the Imperial. I don't expect it to drive as nice as the 300.

The only other straight 8 I had was a 50 New Yorker. The Fluid Drive in it wasn't stellar, but it worked as it should. I had to have the unit rebuilt - not cheap. I had the hemi engine rebuilt in the 51 - not cheap.

At this point, I will keep working on the Thunderbolt. I love the sound these things make and I love the nostalia of the big straight engine. I guess I'll see what the ultra looks like when the time comes.
Thanks again for the comments.