This is a useful thread on radios:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=25295&post_id=242334#forumpost242334

Every once in a while it seems like something gets stuck (probably the little ball) and the accelerator starter doesn't work, for this reason I wired up a button to the starter solenoid under the dash.

Look in the "specifications" part of the 1951-54 Service manual, right here:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/archive/content.php?op=&catID=10&ContentID=4

My understanding is that it is not possible.

You don't want to "pressurize the cylinder" or what-have-you. You simply want to use a flathead valve spring compressor, very simple after removing the valve covers, don't have to remove the manifolds, just the right front wheel and the inside fender cover.

A couple of these are available right now on Ebay for $25 or so.

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Congratulations!

Pretty interesting series, looks like David Jason is driving a 1951 or 1952 Patrician?

https://youtu.be/aB1Uwc9dWow

Also:

https://www.packardclub.org/

has a list of paint chips where they have the Duco number.

According to:

https://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?year=1950&con=y&page=10&rows=50

Ditzler/PPG 10459, Dupont 585, 202-55094

It sounds like your vibrator "resuscitated itself". They are electro-mechanical, so after periods of inactivity can get "stuck". Lots of info on that here:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?start=0&topic_id=25295&order=ASC&status=&mode=0

The redirad thing is inexpensive and doesn't affect the appearance or modify the radio in any way. You just plug the antenna connection into the redirad instead of the radio, and plug the redirad into the radio, then hang a switch under the dash, all of which is removable.

I had my radio repaired by a local vintage stereo store, works great. The tubes and vibrators are seemingly all available still.

Lots of sports, news and also Spanish and Indian music stations on AM around these parts.

I also installed this which allows one to play music from your smartphone through the speakers.spa Works great.

redirad.com

At some point was going to hook up something to allow the smartphone to charge (just need 5v) but haven't gotten around to that. The batteries on these phones have gotten a lot better lately so much less need.