Cryptic? Maybe. I just thought it a yes or no answer. Why waste zeros and ones? I have a spare engine/transmission combo that has been sitting in a crate for many, many years. Having time on my hands (perhaps too much time?)and the ideas start winding around in the old noodle. Legend has it this was a "new in crate" engine from Packard but the looks of it tells me differently. There aren't any part number stampings on the motor mount ear, just an "X" cast into it. Every few months when I think about it I dump some oil into the cylinders. I am a medium speed diesel engine mechanic by trade (up to six thousand horsepower) and I have never even attempted to turn the engine over. I will need to prelube it first among other things. I would like to get the cylinder head off for further inspection. Without access to a bore scope I think it's the only way to safely prepare the engine for a start up. Any suggestions to the best way of getting the head loose (besides getting someone else to do it) and I think the combined weight of the engine and trans combination should be around fifteen hundred pound. Am I close? Even if it turns out to be a stuff and mount, it will still look great in fresh Bell green and Aluminum paint with nickel plated acorn nuts. Anyone have a 29 frame and cowl they would like to give away? =)

Babbitt or shells?

The shifter should be on the steering column. Works just like a three speed on the floor- first is towards you and down, second is away from you and up, third is straight down from second. Reverse is towards you and up. My late father in law had a '47 Clipper that had (for lack of a better term) semi-automatic. IIRC, used the clutch for starting and stopping and then the trans would shift it's self or I had to shift it and not use the clutch. I just don't remember.

A word to the wise: These engines do not make a great deal of horsepower. High RPM usage will kill it fast. They do make enough torque to move the state of Pennsylvania to where ever you would like it to be. Horsepower is a function of torque- torque is the work that can be done, horsepower is the speed at which you can do the work. Shift 1-2-3 as low on the rpm band as you can and let the torque take you down the road.

Great to hear that a young one enjoys a P-car. Keep the straight eight. It will amaze your friends, and a smooth running quiet straight eight has a cool factor of eleven on a one to ten scale.

Dave, does it attach to the fender support or to the radiator shell, or both?

Thanks to all. I looked at Brassworks. From what I gather I need to send them the radiator shell for modifications and I am not too cool about that idea and I am starting to think the cost could may be a bit out of my league Very nice to have but not really needed.

Does anyone have drawings for a stone guard that would fit? Even detail pictures on mounting points, etc. I would like to fabricate my own.

My brother in law was in contact with a gentleman on the east coast concerning my brother in law's '36 1403. The gentleman emailed him a picture of our '29 645 that was taken in Pennsylvania sometime in the 1960s or 70s when it was with the original owners.


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Sorry for falling off the face of the earth. I had to go to NY to work last year and I just got back home permanent a couple of weeks ago. I had our 29 Custom 8 out for a few miles and all is well with the old girl. We are going to be culling the collection of spare parts over the next few months. I'll let everyone know when we list them. BTW, anyone know where I can get the exhaust manifold welded and re-coated?
Thanks.

P

I may have what you need. Give me a few days and I will get back to you. I have three carbs here for 29s.

I think the ALCO is too cool. I have photographs of that car (I suspect at least) in a comprehensive history book on American Locomotive in my collection. I also work on ALCO diesel engines.