I've been told that my 1956 Clipper Deluxe has the optional Twin Traction limited slip rear axle (with Ultramatic). Can't tell driving it, which suggests it does not work very well if it's actually there. Not that I care much on a road car. I'm used to them in race cars and know how they normally feel.

I understand that a Dana rear axle unit was fitted to the 1956 Packards, so the Twin Traction differential would also presumably be their work.

Is it possible to determine if it has a Twin Traction differential - and what the final drive ratio might be - without dismantling it?

Thanks in advance.

Brian

Hello Don

Yes, if you have one of those dash pads it would make sense to put it on.

I began thinking about this only when I saw the parts book illustration. I had already contemplated covering the metal dash with something else, but that would be the perfect answer if I can find one of the pads.

Howard put me on to Just Dashes. They have restored an earlier (1955) pad, but cannot make repros. Still not sure how I'd get one shipped here. It looks pretty bulky. There is a school of thought that the 1956 pad had the stitched edge, but I'd be happy with either style.

Regards

Brian

Thanks Howard

I should have guessed you would know about this! I'll check out potential sources of an original style pad, as you suggest.

I see what you mean about the stitching on the repro job. It looks neat but is obviously not original (not that I would know!). Not an issue since my car will never be a concours contender. I imagine originals of these covers have long since deteriorated - as they do in modern cars. If I draw a blank, I might just cover the metal surface with something a bit more attractive to see and touch. My car has seat belts, so I guess the padding itself does not serve much purpose but it sure looks better.

Thanks for your helpful reply.

Cheers

Brian

I noticed when I looked at the 1956 illustrated Parts List (on this site) what looks like a dash cover or pad, presumably fitted to some of the more expensive 1956 models. It's part number 10.0008.

Does anybody know if this can be fitted over the dash on lesser models, such as my Clipper Deluxe? I quite like the look of it and my metal dash top is looking pretty tired. Would these be available? If so, from where?

My car is right hand drive, but I imagine this makes no difference.

Cheers

Brian

Well - here we go!

I mentioned before the sad paintwork on my 1956 Clipper. It was repainted about 35 years ago, but is now crazing quite badly in some areas. Looks like somebody before me tried to patch it up but to no avail. Only result was slightly mis-matched colour. It's painted in a 1970's Ford Australia acrylic colour called Midnight, which I quite like on the car and intend to keep.

So far, so good. My enquiries regarding a repaint produced quotes which far exceeded the value of the car - which is in otherwise excellent condition and drives exceedingly well. So Plan B is to get it stripped by one guy and painted etc by another. I don't want to dismantle the car any more than I have to, for fear I'll never get it all together and working again! Only plan to repaint the exterior panels - same colour as now.

The catch is that I need to remove as much of the exterior trim as I can myself. In truth, I have no idea how to do this. As a start, referred to the illustrated Parts List but got no further enlightenment regarding how the external trim is removed. I'm assuming I need to get the bumpers, tail lights, headlight surrounds and stainless/chrome side trim off. Oh, and the rear view mirrors. Plus the "Deluxe" and "Clipper" badges, hood ornament and "Packard" badge off the trunk. I intend to leave the glass in and the wheels on to keep it mobile and hopefully driveable.

My first questions are:

1 Is it feasible to repaint the car without dismantling the mechanicals?

2 Is it necessary to remove some or all of the interior trim to get the external trim pieces off?

Cheers

Brian

And to me! I miss mine.

Brian

Thanks for "debugging" my link Don.

Well, Mal and Chris. Yes it's very near where I live. Miller and Lavender Streets, North Sydney in fact. Had just been out to the race track at Sydney Motorsport Park.

No... not racing the Packard. Testing a friend's open-wheeler for an upcoming race meeting. Which may actually take place if the coronavirus restrictions are relaxed in time.

Many here have noted how much attention the old Packards get out on the road. I've learnt that's true. Mine attracts more happy reactions and thumbs up than my Ferrari. As my painter (walls not portraits) pointed out, you see Ferraris on the road every day but not Packards.

Have to say the Clipper is quite sprightly off the line though, with the Ultramatic slotted into "D" so it starts in a low gear.

Cheers

Brian

Goops. Sorry that didn't work! Try this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct5pyk8BVMA

Cheers

Brian

Hi Guys

Here's a short clip of my 1956 Clipper Deluxe heading for home after a lengthy run about a week ago. Very amateurish compared to some of the footage previously posted, but these runs lose nothing in enjoyment. Guess who's trying to hold the phone while turning the corner? And no power steering.

This is an original right hand drive car delivered new in Australia. Here's the link to the YouTube cliphttps://youtu.be/Ct5pyk8BVMA .

Cheers

Brian

Hello Peter

Guess we both have the same disease, but you have more Packards than me. There's no known cure for it.

Why did Barry sell the 250 Convertible? Good question. He put a lot of work into it, and genuinely seemed to like the car. The Gosford Museum purchased it from him directly some years ago. Guess they offered more than he thought it was worth - as they did with many cars they purchased at that time.

Cheers

Brian