You're right! I didn't mention the year. I have a 51 model 300. The guy I found is parting out a 1951 model 200. SOme things are the same some are not. From what you've said I need a carrier from a 51 or 52 300. The 200 had a 3.9 rear end and I need a 3.54.

This is a great story. I was going to say that a 7 pound cap is available from the NAPA Dealer for $4.00 or $5.00.

Along these same lines a story of my own. I got my 51 from a friend who couldn't keep it running so left it parked for 10 or so years. He told me He quit driving the car because every time he went out in the car it would overheat. He replaced the radiator and the water pump. Still overheated. He even went so far as to tell me he checked with a friend of his who owns two Packards and was told " Yea all those 51's over heat that's just the way they are." Sure enough when I started driving the car on almost any day I would loose coolant over the side. There is no overflow tank on a 51. One day I started the car after topping of the radiator coolant level and was messing with something else and noticed water running out the overflow pipe. The engine was just started and had not even warmed up yet. I found that at some time he had changed the radiator cap with the wrong one. The cap said 7 pounds all right but was designed for a radiator with about a 3/4" drop. The packard filler neck has a 1" drop. The rubber seal on the cap was 1/4" above the seat in the bottom of the filler neck. He might as well have left it off all together. Again the NAPA dealer came through and had the correct 7 pound cap with a 1" drop in stock.
BTW ever try to buy simple things like a radiator cap or spark plugs from Kragen Auto? I get aggravated every time I drive by a Kragens. Lately has anybody said " Yes but who makes Packard, Ford or General Motors?

I show a gear ratio of 3.54-1 for the 51 as well. My knowledge of the correct terminology is lacking. I always referred to the assembly that is removed out the front of the differental housing as the pumpkin. Is that complete assembly (Ring and Pinion, Spider gears, all carrier bearings) called the carrier?

Is the differential pumpkin interchangeable between the junior and senior cars. Assuming both have the automatic transmission. I have a line on one from a model 200 but need to know if the gear ratio is the same as the model 300.

I offered that. He refused. He is an arrogant guy that thinks the world revolves around him. Thinks he knows better than you what you should want.

10,000 comedians out of work and you're trying to be funny. Yes of course it's worth restoring. People would kill for a convertible. I'll give you $100.00 for it.

I think it depends on the DMV, the day of the week, and maybe how well he/she is getting along with his/her spouse that day. Kind of like the police department.

Seriously, I think all they want is that you have two readable plates that are DMV clear. They make a black and white photo copy of each plate and send that along with the application to the DMV in Sacramento. I don't think they would have an issue with restored plates as long as the color is not obviously wrong. The yellow would have to be blue or something before they would reject them.

BTW, The plates I am registering to my 51 Packard are the original ones issued to the car in 1951. They were in the trunk. Too bad the yellow 1956 plates with the black letters weren't there too with the 51 plates. Also have the receipt from AAA where they registered the car in September 1951 showing the VIN and the license plate number. AAA probably handed them the plates right there on the spot.

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.

I contacted a guy that was recommended by someone here that restores license plates. He does a great job. The problem is the color yellow he uses is wrong for the 1951 plates. The color is a great match for the 1963 verity. He is unwilling to locate a paint that is a better match for the 51 plates. It's take it or leave it. He showed me a set of restored 1951 plates he did and they look wonderful except for the color. I don't understand someone who does such a great job with the restoration but doesn't care about the color. With what I paid for the plates to begin with coupled with the DMV cost and the cost to have a frame machined to accept the month year stickers plus his $200 brings the total to around $700. I think for that the color should be right. Am I wrong??

Has anyone had plates done that were done right? Any other recommendations?

Can I chime in here? I was under the understanding that powder coating would not hold up to any amount of heat. Is there a process that will work on exhaust systems?