I don't know the 52 architecture that well. But if there is a location that gets air flow other than in front of the radiator, I'd probably take guidance from the new car designs and locate it there. I hope there is such a place. good luck.

In 40 the 120 used the 282ci engine. It was 5 main bearing. Basically the same engine introduced in 35 and later the 288ci. The Supers all used the new 356ci engine. It remained virtually the same through 50.
The serial numbers for the 282 were C3xxxxx while the 356 was C5xxxxxx.

With some luck I should be able to check the numbers on the 356 I have tomorrow.I'll let you know as soon as I can.

Dave:

Could you check the numbers on the engine you believe is for a '48 and get back with me? I haven't heard back yet from Al on whether his numbers show his '40 is for a 120 or a 160/180. I'm more than a little confused now, did the 1940 120 have a 356 9 main bearing engine? The packard club website says the engine serials were way different between the 120 and 160/180, which would seem to imply different engine. Thanks guys for the help on this.

Kev

Now I believe you. You actually were in Detroit!
I grew up in East St. Louis. They hardly have buildings where my neighborhood was 50+ years ago.

It has got to be heartbreaking to see the change of what was such a prestigious address and place.
Maybe we still preserve some of the Packard Glory in our separate garages and projects all over the country/world.

Nobody could pose that background elsewhere. Good Shot, Kev.

DanL

I am not at ALL worried about originality! (Future postings will make that clearer :) ). I intend to keep the spirit of the Packard, but want to improve reliability where it is practical to do so.

I'd really like a LOT more cooling capacity,as (a) I live in Texas where the daily highs most days recently have been 100, and (b) I intend to add air conditioning, which will put a condenser in front of the radiator to further impede its effectiveness.

Randy also suggested strongly we think about how we could easily find or fabricate a shroud.

I DO know a really good parts man. I will call him.

Jim G

I used a slightly modified Ford pickup radiator in my '56, brand new and only $125. I'm sure a good parts store can find a suitable replacement if you're not too worried about originality.

Quote:

That was probably me Al.....

Quote:

You are correct on both fronts. I didn't want a 356 because of the overly-long (IMHO) stroke. I was looking for a 327 or 359, or both. I'm building a "hot rod" engine, and the 356 doesn't fit my requirements.

Make that 2 that agrees about the match, but it brings up a question. I was under the impression that our beloved DMV was awfully fussy about YOM plates, restored or otherwise and would think correct colors would fall into that category. Is that not a problem with the 51's.

Hi There,
I'm glad to hear that someone agrees with me about the color match. It's really too bad the guy I found doesn't have the color right. He is only 20 minutes away from me here and does such a great job (except for color)
He told me he rolls the yellow on using a machine that cost him, I think, $6000.00. You would think that a little more investment in the right color paint would be minor. Just had a thought. He maybe learned his trade in prison. I understand they use a similar rolling machine.