When I first got mine running it smoked quite a bit from the crankcase breather. It's gotten much better over time, and now I don't see anything coming from it unless the air is cold.

I think a few things helped to improve it. 1.) Running the car helped to clean out deposits or helped the rings and valves to seat better. 2.) I did new exhaust front to back, and I think the old exhaust (half was missing) may have had a restriction in it that caused back pressure into the crankcase.

I may be totally off on my assumptions, but at least the smoke from the breather has improved.

-Kevin

Excellent results on the seat rehab. And thanks for putting together the video. It's a lot of work to do the editing for those, but they are so much more helpful (to me at least) than trying to follow along with pictures.

-Kevin

When I installed my windshield I did not put the stainless trim in first. I had no idea that's how it was supposed to be done. Instead I did it after (two pieces on my Clipper Super) and it was definitely a pain in the neck. But doable. I used lots of soap, some screwdrivers and rope to open the channel, then in the end, gently tapping with a rubber mallet to fully seat the trim into the groove.

Congrats on getting the glass installed. I hate doing it. I have a new windshield to replace my cracked one, and I have no desire to go through the trouble to replace it again.

-Kevin

Don - I don't find myself in Oregon often, but I definitely need to come down and visit your shop at some point. It won't be in the Panama though...I've never driven it on the highway, and I'm not sure I would trust it going any sort of distance.

Paul - More Packards is part of my master plan! My wife asked the other day "So, how many Packards are you wanting to have?" I responded "I don't like to limit myself with restrictions"

HPH - Haha, those pictures were very helpful. The 1950's lighting is especially nice. I do so much enjoy not being to see, lol.

The lights I put in are great....in that pic they are at about 75% brightness, so they can get pretty blinding. It's so nice being able to easily see what I'm working on. And I love having a clean, smooth floor too. No more getting covered in dirt from laying on the ground. Eventually I'll have a lift in there and will probably have another Packard to share the space with. I like the openness though....I have to work hard to control my clutter. I still have a shelf full of parts that I need to go through and move out to the shop as well. Thankfully I've been able to keep the hoarding to a minimum so far. Maybe that means I'm not a true Packard enthusiast though....

-Kevin

Not much happening here. I did get some actual drip pans (two of them....the engine and transmission are loooong), and then moved the Panama into its new quarters.

Much more room to work in the new shop. Cleaner and warmer too. There is still much to do in the shop to get it where it needs to be, but it's far enough along for me to use it now. I should be able to get more things done on the Panama this winter. Eventually I will get a lift and it will be much easier to work under the car.

-Kevin

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Riki - I'm just catching up your posts now. I'm looking at the gilding kit you got for the emblems. I didn't even think about that when I redid my emblems. Mine turned out okay, but I couldn't figure out how they did the original shiny gold. Gilding is likely the answer. Now you're making me want to redo mine. Please post how it looks when you do yours.

About the antenna, you said it was a reproduction. Is it a universal antenna or is it special made for our cars? I need to find a replacement antenna mast and am not sure where to turn.

-Kevin

That's not good if R&A Engineering isn't returning calls. They made a very nice replacement housing that fit a modern filter within it. At this point a DIY kit may be the best option.

I went through the leaking seal replacement last year on the Panama. I documented start to finish beginning here. It's not too bad, though measuring the axle play is a bit of a chore. It gave me the opportunity to redo all the rear brakes as well. I picked up my seals from a place that is no longer in business, so it'd be best to go through Kanter or similar. Dwight has some for the '55 and up, but none yet for the '54 and under.

If the bearings look good, you can clean out the old grease and pack new grease in using the palm of your hand (this is what the service manual recommends). Otherwise you will need to press off the old bearing and press on the new.

-Kevin

Welcome! My dad has a '38 Super 8 1605 that has been restored. The interior was reupholstered, but not to stock. However, all the info you are looking for should be accurate on the car. The car is about 2 hours away from me and I typically am there at least once a month. Next time I'm down I can get whatever pictures and measurements you want.

-Kevin

Went for a nice Sunday drive after church with the whole family. The bench seats make it easy to fit all 7 of us in there. Not ideal with the seatbelts, but we're also just cruising at about 25 mph around town and into the country. Kids had a great time, lots of heads turning as usual.

I leaned over to my wife during the drive and said "I love this. This is why we have this car". Making memories as a family in the Packard....the money and time involved are all worth it.

-Kevin

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