greendragon, so replacement coils come in 6- or 12-volt, and negative or positive ground? You need to specify which voltage and ground your car is to get the correct coil, right?

The late Bob Aller made a suggestion about adjusting the mechanical brakes on Packards at last year's Salado Meet. He suggested that the front brake rods be disconnected, adjust the rear brakes and rods, and then adjust the front brakes and rods so that the rear brakes engage just ever so slightly before the fronts. He said would provide more effective braking action. I know this doesn't answer your question about brake shoe adjustment, but may help after you get it figured out.

Well, here's a question that I thought I knew the answer to, but now not sure. How do you tell which is the primary (or secondary) side of a replacement coil purchased at a parts store? This is important to know in connecting it. I believe that if the car is positive ground, for example, then the positive terminal goes to the distributor. But how do you know if the coil's positive is the primary or secondary? I hope all of this babble is not too confusing, but we often talk about getting a replacement coil at the local NAPA, like in this thread. Thanks.

Dave, thanks for the photo. I have down loaded it.

Dave, I hope not to offend, but did you line up the disc with a pilot shaft when you installed the disc and pressure plate? If you don't have an old transmission input shaft to use as a pilot, you can get a pilot tool at most auto supply stores. I believe the splines on the Packard match some of those used by Chevrolet. That is the only thing I can think of except having another person there helping you. I have a sign in my garage: Rule #1 First do no harm. Rule #2 See Rule #1. Rule #3 No exceptions. Be careful and don't hurt yourself.

Looks a lot like Jay Leno's car with the air-cooled V-12 tank engine. He had it at Pebble Beach in 2008. What a monster. He remarked that much engine work had been done, including (I think) adding a couple of turbos. He claimed they more than doubled the MPG from 2 or 3 to 4 or 6. Now, that's a green machine!

Generally, the story goes that a potential buyer contacted the company asking about their automobiles and where to obtain more information. Packard's secretary relayed this inquiry to her boss, and he supposedly said to her: "Tell him to ask the man ..."

Dave, a valiant effort. I can hardly wait until it is my turn. Your description did arrive in my PM box, but the photos here help. I wished I could have been there to help.

I was surprised and pleased to receive a copy of the Spring 2009 The "Packard Proving Grounds News Report". I think it is especially well done. I sure enjoyed reading about the activities at the proving grounds. I don't know how long this report has been published, but would like to continue receiving it. My brothers and I "bought" an Elm tree in memory of our father, and I have made donations to the foundation. Unlike the factory site, the proving grounds acquisition and improvements are moving along quite nicely. It is a great monument to the company. Anyone else get their first copy of the report? Please donate to the foundation. Bud Juneau, I don't know if you are responsible for this mailing, but thanks if you are.

Owen, my 47 Custom Clipper has developed a leak in the radiator. I plan on removing the fan and water pump to ease the job of getting the radiator and cradle out. While the pump is off I plan on removing the distribution tube and see what I see. You are right, this is an easily over looked maintenance task that can lead to a cracked block. I think too much of my 356 engine to have it destroyed by a bad tube. Thanks for sharing.