Don't have their number handy, but you can look them up. I have been using A & P Bearing in Canoga Park, Ca. for over twenty years and just about always manage to come up with what ever bearing or seal I need. And usually a lot cheaper.
I believe they are on Canoga Ave. If you can prove you are some sort of garage the discount is bigger. Here is where your pest of a brother in law or neighbor comes in handy.
Many times just call with dimensions and they can help
Thanks.

Thanks, will do. Just wondering if someone had experience trying to get the distribution tube out while the grill was in place. I can't remember from your blog, do I need to buy special gaskets for the water pump?

Worse come to worse, you can pull the grill and leave the core and fenders in place.

So, after researching BigKev's project blog and chatting with Eric, I think I'm going after the water distribution tube behind the water pump. Has anyone tried to get the tube out without removing the grill? I realize I'll need to remove the radiator and water pump, but I don't feel like pulling the whole front clip off.

i ordered that exact kit from Max. looks to be good to go, quality parts. national seals.

Looking at the pictures on the vendors websites, it looks like the outer seal is that entire plate. My plate contained no part numbers and I fully pulled it apart.

I just checked Kanter's site, and they have the same kit for $75. So it looks like I will be doing that. I also need to order the replacement waterpump. I'll give them a call in the morning if they are open.

More cash out the window...but at least I will know that those parts are taken care of and not neglected. So it looks like I am going to pull the axles out to replace the inner seal, and repack the bearings.

Look CLOSELY at the seal on your car. Does it have a number on it???? Most likely stamped on the metal flange. Could be moulded into the neoprene. Mite have to remove the seal first to see the numbers.

You are more than welcome. One thing about the service manuals is they assume you have done something similar before. But if you are relative notice like me that is learning as your go, then hopefully these project blogs will help the next guy out that has similar questions.

On that rear oil seal, I went looking at Max's website, and I found this. Unless I can find a better price ($95.00), then I think this is what I will have to order.

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There should be a spring shop in your area that can help you. Nowadays they mostly do big trucks but they can fix your car too. Look in the yellow pages or ask your favorite garage who they use.

The spring shop can take your springs off the car, rearch the leaves to restore the original curve, and usually they slip in an extra leaf to restore lost strength. Springs rearched in this way will last indefinitely. They will also put new bushings in the spring eyes.

Your car will sit higher in the back than it has for years, it might even seem too high until the springs flatten out and take a set.

Cost usually around $200 bucks.

For another $100 or so they can make you a new set of
springs.

They can also replace the front springs. Then your car will sit up like it did when new.

Have a set of new shocks put on at the same time for a real driving thrill.

As many of you must know, I have finished my last book project, History of the Liberty Engine (Available at Specialty Press at Specialtypress.com), and have started research on my next, which will be a history of the 22nd-23rd Series Packards. I have not decided on a specific title as yet.

Currently I am looking for a copy of the Packard Parts and Accessories Bulletin No. 49P-14 dated June 21, 1949. A good 300 dpi scan of it will do fine, or just a scan of the illustration as I have a Xerox of it.

There is much to be learned but I will not make any big lists here as yet. However, I will be glad to hear from anyone who believes they have an unusual bit of not commonly known information about these cars.

I welcome serial information on re-numbers cars. With enough of them maybe we can figure out Packard's method in this regard, if they indeed had one.

I am particularly interested in information of custom cars of these years. There were several by Derham and I may have missed one, so let me know if you have information on any.

I am just getting into gear as last year was a bad one at my house. I lost my wife to cancer during the summer and had a bypass over the Christmas holidays. Hopefully things will be better this year.

Robert Neal