Congrats on your acquisition.

Accelerator pump problems are not uncommon if a car has sat unused for a very long time. It could be that the leather cup has simply dried out and shrunk a bit. It may only need to be soaked in gas and gently stretched with dull, flat-bladed tool. Otherwise, a rebuild of the carb may be in order - not a difficult task for the DIYer.

All 55th Series cars were originally designed and produced with positive ground electrical systems, but it is not uncommon for them to be converted to negative ground - especially to make use of modern 12V accessories. I've not done that conversion myself as I sold my one '55 years ago and only have '56 models now. I'm sure others will chime in with their experience on this - and any caveats.

I'm not sure what effect, if any, that changing to negative ground would have on starting the engine, but it should have no effect on the brake lights.

As originally equipped, the brake light switch is pressure-activated. When the fluid gets hot, pressure goes up, but with the pedal in the released position, I believe the residual check valve (in the master cylinder outlet fitting) maintains just enough pressure to keep the seals seated. Sounds like the brake hydraulic system in your car needs a through inspection and service - if not a complete overhaul.

Howdy,
I just took ownership of a '55 Clipper Super and the guy who sold it to me delivered it on a trailer.
When he tried to drive it off the trailer he said that the accelerator pump needed to be replaced. Fair enough.
He did get it started and drove it into my garage with a little difficulty 'cuz it kept stalling. Later, when we were doing the paperwork, he told me that on a hot day, the brake lights come on by themselves. I then asked him if the negative ground was switched and that the car was positive ground. He said nope that's negative earth , negative ground.He also said that it hadn't been modified to negative ground. I'm pretty sure that it is positive ground but he was so nice to deliver the car that I didn't want to make waves. Would hooking the battery up wrong cause hard starting and the brake lights to come on??
The car, by the way, does need plenty of work and I'm anxious to get going on it. I'm looking forward to using this website and its wealth of info.
Thanks everyone!
55 clipper guy

A fine-looking Clipper, and I particularly admire the choice of blackwall tires, so period-correct!

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Frank,

Pity you don't have the story behind the bullet hole. If there was a good story that would sway me for one to leave it as is and restore around it as a "feature" of the '50's history.

I wish I knew the story behind it and it's not beyond me to make one up, but I'll step out of character and admit that I have no idea how the bullet hole got there. But, I am considering not repairing it.

Or have it metal sprayed, then machined to the right diameter.

That's enamel.
When I remodeled the kitchen for the wife I put the old cabinets in my shop. I even included the oven. When I get it wired I can powder coat small parts. Recycling, I think, is much like restoring old cars.

Owen, Thank you for your kind words. Coming from you means a lot to me as Ihave a good deal of respect for you and wish I had 1/10 the knowledge of Packards that you have acquired.
I suspect that the owner of the '34 has a good idea about its faults and inaccuracies but by not being forthright and totally honest I don't know what he hopes to achieve. Surely anyone with the funds to purchase such a car would have it properly appraised or was P.T. Barnum right?

Here is a photo of my Packard parked next to another Howard "Dutch" Darrin iteration.

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Dave,

Good start there, parts look great. What paint are you using for this? And from the pics, looks like the parts are in the kitchen, is that right? If so, you have a more than understanding wife, you have a saint!

When I picked up my '54 from the lot it was rotting in for years, the tow truck driver winched it up on the flat bed, rear first. At about it's steepest angle, very old fuel starting pouring out of the front of the car, and down the flatbed. Lets just say the tow driver was not amused. The culprit was a rotten rubber fuel line.