How do you check the fluid level on a 51 Ultramatic?

after talking with him last night he said the former owner stated "there was a little bit of antifreeze in there" Probably should add some more at least. Also, on these cars is it just topped off to the top where you pour it in? He doesn't have a computer to ask these things.

I thought of another question--what kind of antifreeze did they have in 1935 anyway?

Friend of mine just got a 30s Packard and the seller said it wasn't winterized yet. Anyway, it has sat in a unheated garage for two nights and the temp has gotten down around 27-28 degrees but back in the 40s during the day. Could this do major damage to the block etc.? I guess he needs to go drain the coolant tomorrow and add 50/50 mix? Also, what type coolant should he use? Can he just use the 50/50 pre-mix stuff?

I've always liked the Pacifics and Mayfairs but it seems the Pacific is much more desirable. I've been surprised somewhat by this Pacific on Ebay and how far it's gone in it's bidding. When I first saw it I was thinking $12K-$14K tops and it's already past that. If it goes past $20K I'll be surprised.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1954-Packard-Pacific-2-D-R-/300830172693?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item460ae02615

So the hit on the value will simply be that it's not the correct 47 356 although it is a later yr. 356, correct?

OK, bear with me as I's slow mentally in this area. Am I right in saying based on the engine number the original motor was replaced with a 23rd series 356 motor? How much of a hit on the value does that incur?

EDIT: On reflection, that may have been the only option to keep a 356 in the car. Those engines were discontinued after the 23rd series and a short time after that happened stock apparently ran out. Service replacement engine for the 356 was changed to the senior 327 engine. Instructions on what to modify and how to make that engine fit in place of the 356 are in the service counselors.


I'm not sure I follow you correctly on what your saying? Can you clarify please?

I looked at a 47 Custom sedan with a 356 but the motor # was H600056. Isn't that from 48-49 356 engine? Does that hurt it's value being that it's still a 356 but doesn't match up with the car and correct yr.?

Thanks! I found NADA and this other one:

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1947/Packard/Custom-Super-Clipper-8/4-Door-Sedan/Values

http://collectorcarmarket.com/menus/ccmprcs/47pacl_8.html

I assume(?) that NADA avg. represents a #3 car and the other value guide I found is around $22K off that price for a #3 condition. So it's either around $16K or $38K--maybe somewhere in the middle? Again, that's a huge difference. The car in question has great interior but avg. chrome and paint. Good mechanical condition. I think if I could buy it for $16K that might be a decent deal?

very good running condition, no pics but solid #3 condition with solid #2 condition interior