If I recollect correctly, there may have been a 35 320 on eBay recently. I do not remember if it sold or not.

Finding one of these engines in bolt-in ready to run condition is truly a long shot. They are extremely cantankerous. A running engine would be much more economical than building a basket case, but a gamble on internal condition. If you do find one, drop the oil pan and carefully inspect the connecting rod bearings for fracturing and flaking.

These are very challenging engines to rebuild. There are inherent connecting rod bearing issues. I believe 35 was the first year for insert rod bearings in this engine. They were a very problematic component. Replacement rod bearings at this time are unavailable in any size, way, shape, or form. There is an upgrade that can be performed to run a modern bearing, but the operation requires a great deal of skill, and proper equipment, and is not for the faint hearted.

The crankshaft is not built in a conventional fashion. It has removable counter-weights. If re-grinding is necessary, there are but few crank grinding establishments capable of doing the job from start to finish.

Some parts are available through Egge Machine such as the rocker arm rollers and pins. Pistons & ring sets (excellent quality I might add), and gaskets as well. Some parts are near impossible for this engine as well.

When assembled and tuned properly, they are a wonderful engine. This is not a cheap rebuild, nor easy, but very gratifying when completed properly.

Best of luck,
Jim

I am afraid there is very little good news on re-chroming pot metal. In some cases, parts are to far gone to do. In other cases, the cost outweighs the benefit. Sometimes the platers will throw so much copper to fill pits that the part is literally distorted and does not match parts it mates with. In other cases, the part gets over buffed it looses all detail having no crisp lines or sharp transition.

This is best left to the very best platers, who charge big $$ to do the job right.

Best of luck,
Jim

I have high hopes for stealing a few hours this weekend (Weather forecast here in Phoenix near identical to Big Kev's in California) to install new kick panels and do a bit more detail work under hood. I have proper radiator and heater hose clamps to install.

Might even do a bit of minor league detailing. The car is by no means a show piece, but like all old cars could always benefit from a little elbow grease.

It sure is a pleasure to finally be in maintenance mode with this car. We are taking it to the PI Arizona Region 35th anniversary meet in Lake Havasu Nov. 13, 14, 15, & 16. Anyone else from the forum attending? Should be a fun time.

Jim

Alemite fitting to grease the king pin. Bolt is a steering stop (set for max steering without tire rubbing.)My totally inexperienced guess anyway.

My curiosity is driving me crazy; What occupies the large hole on the drivers side of the grill shell?

And a side note, you must have the worlds best body shop to have gone from the unfinished shell in the post the other week to painted and instilled already.

Your car looks great! Enjoy...

Jim

Kev,

It is so amazing to see an air cleaner posted by a member of this forum on a car in a junkyard half way across the country get shipped to another member (in this case the proprietor of the website) who documents the restoration and fitment on another Packard. I don't post that much, but do thoroughly enjoy seeing posts and progress everyone contributes.

While quarterly club publications are great, this is a great way to get a daily fix of Packard. I truly believe that this site is the future of interactive Packard collecting.

Your air cleaner looks great!

Jim

That is a very fine car you have there. I have a 1703 touring sedan (have been working on it this weekend). I have not met many fellow 39 Super 8 owners.

How long have you had the car? What are your plans for the car? Is it presently drivable?

As for the conversion from 6 to 12 volts, some individuals have given excellent advice already. There are some particular challenges with this proposition. One challenge is the non sealed flexbeam headlamp assemblies. You would have to adapt 12v bulbs somehow. The next concern I would personally have is overpowering the starter. This starter utilizes a single bolt retaining system and a fairly fragile centrifugal starter Bendex. You also have the heater blower motor and defroster (if equipped) blower motor to contend with.

With proper equipment such as appropriate gauge battery cables, a good wiring harness with clean connections, and in my opinion, an Optima battery you should (and I currently) have no troubles at all.

There is my two cents. I hope to hear more about your car.

Best of luck,
Jim

Quote:

Well honestly, I have heard the myth of no P/R lockout before; that is totally false. The main issue I have run into with the pressure override unit is they externally leak transmission fluid.

I took a month vacation in my 58 Edsel station wagon through three states about 10 years ago, and had no trouble what so ever.

Honestly, I am not a 58 Edsel fan, I am much more partial to the 60 Edsel.

Jim

How fun! Wife and I had a good laugh. We really like your 40!

Jim

Wow, looks like it will run like a deer!

Oddly enough, I had a 1964 international Emeryville truck tractor that was painted in those colors. I found it was owned by a trucking line called Denver / Chicago Express (D/C truck lines) and that every truck in their fleet were those colors. Makes me wonder if it were special ordered as a corporate car to match company colors.

Just a long shot, though probably not. A very interesting color combo none-the-less.

Welcome to the forum, and best of luck with your new find.

Jim