Gentleman,

Again, but a bit more specifically, Kudos to those 'internet Packard' people that helped get the fix off the ground with their time, money & ideas. I remember the days when we used to nightly get onto a 'chat' forum and type away about Packards, their history and how to maybe make them better cars. There was Keith over in TN fashioning a foreign made master cylinder onto his Executive, Shoewood over in California making improvements to to adjustable torsion links and other things and Eric in Kansas trying to boost the heck out of his '56 Patrician's performance. Back then too, Craig was fashioning disc brakes to put on his '55 Patrician and working on that Panther project. Then came the efforts related to the oil problem. Because people with their collective thoughts were throwing ideas around on Al Gore's internet (sarcasm intended)the fix came. The idea of the fix didn't come from the major clubs, it collectively came from an ad-hoc group that wanted to make their cars better. Then Craig H, from Nevada comes along and puts together the finished prototype. He had it engineered using his dollars and convinced me I should place it in my engine (that still rests on a stand) for the day when I get my project on the road. (As a side note, it's because of many of you in the forums that I continued to undertake the project after my pop in law died because I never for all practical purposes turned a wrench before buying my 400) If memory serves, no one else that I'm aware out here on Gore's internet has fronted the $$$ to put (30) adapters in the hands of people trying to fix the problem but Craig. (Yes- I'm loyal to Craig & I'll always give him the credit he duly deserves for getting the adaptors in circulation)

Lastly, Craig and others thanks again for what you've done to solve the oiling problem on these cars. To those that just want to pick away and whine, get over it and move on. Time for me to move onto other more important things too.

***Big Kev & Packard0820*** I apoligize for how this thread sorta went sideways.

Kevin
Tucson

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Packard0820,

Those numbers L@@K great and I'm happy for you! May your Packard run till the cows come home!!!!! And a little history behind how the fix was invented.

First however, I'm certain that you purchased the adapter kit from my buddy Craig H. in Pahrump Nevada. Craig, is the fellow that convinced me that the oil problem on 55-56 Packards was fixable. And with the assistance of other interested internet-Packard people some years back, discussions raged for many months over how to attempt a fix. Craig H., however was the guy that really got things going, as spent his own time and MONEY & actually developed the plate that would make the melling HV pump fit onto our beloved 55-56 Packards. Note that Craig H. is a highly skilled engineer type BUT he also is a highly skilled (hands-on) engine builder. Years ago before he purchased his first Packard he was also building hot Pontiacs out in California for racing people. Before that he was actually a 'rocket-scientist' working for our government!

In May of 2006, Craig and I rebuilt the engine in my '55 400 to '56 standards (374CI). (My '55 had serious oiling problems in the forward main bearings.) At the same time, we outfitted my rebuilt engine with the very first prototype of the adapter with the melling pump. In addition, as the attached pictures show, we also prepared my engine to accept a full flow oil filter conversion as opposed to the original. I guess my part of the story is that I was there with others during the inception and inspiration.

I have no doubt my 400 will have the same kind of oil pressure that your picture indicates.Again, I'm happy you were sucessful!

If you get a chance, take a peek at www.1956packardpanther.com - very Cool stuff there.

best regards all,
Kevin in Tucson

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Boys (& ladies),

I was there when the '54 crossed the block at BJ and it was a priceless moment. Earlier in the day I walked the field and spent some time looking over the '54 and found her to be a very nice example of a Caribbean. The weakest area I found was the interior (leather & small trim pieces), but all in all a very nice car. I was astounded by the price BUT I guess someone REALLY needed to own her. Remember, Packards always seem to bring top dollar at most auctions & I think us owners need to take some pride in that dynamic.

KevinAZ
Tucson

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Take note of the placement of the rearview mirror too!

Kevin AZ
Tucson

I also agree. Great pictures.

Kevin
Tucson

Joel,

Thanks for the clarification about the carpets as I never knew that 55 and 56's are different from each other.

Send me a self addressed stamped envelope and I believe I can help you. I have a 55 Patrician parts car with dark blue carpet that can assist you with. But I'm sure I won't be able to cut it however until sometime this next weekend. My mailing address is POB 14162, Tucson, AZ 85732.

Kevin AZ

Seat pictured; but not carpet. I believe remants are still underneath the seats.

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Keith & Eric,

Craig is ok. He's still in Nevada and we speak regularly. He's busy with Pontiacs again and writing programing for software products. The guy is always into something!

Kevin

Randy - Keith,

My conversion has yet to run. It was installed last year when I rebuilt my engine with CraigH in Nevada. We also went with a full flow oil filter instead of using the original. Craig tells me that as many a dozen of the adapters are out there now on 55-56 Packards and reports are positive.

I expect to paint my car in late summer/early fall; I'll get the engine in then and advise.

BTW......what ever changes CraigH made to the design, I have not had to shave or re-work the oil pan. The only thing CraigH advises is that I'll have to trim the oil dip stick an 1" to 1 1/2".

Kevin
Tucson

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Update:

Damn it's grand to have a parts car! My friend Tom & I were able to remove the support arm from the 55 parts Patrician and replace it onto my 400 today. While there of course we replaced all old bushings with new ones purchased from Steele Rubber.

Take a look at the some pics.

Kevin
Tucson

PS - next week we plan on removing the other side so all bushing can be changed out over there too.

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