Managed to score on on eBay.

Getting ready to reassemble my Autolite GJC-6001A generator. I've searched Google images but didn't get a clear cut answer. Originally, were the end frames of these generators painted, or left bare? Thanks!

I'm guessing no as my poking around on the net hasn't turned up much.

I'm rebuilding the generator out of my '55 Packard. Its an Autolite model GJC-6001A. Got all the piece parts I need (brushes, bearing, bushing, etc). It should clean up nicely, but the green Autolite tag is kind of rough and I'd like to replace it.

So, does anyone have a source for these?

Thanks for the welcome.

I was not aware of the relative rarity of the coil/leaf spring arrangement. I'm completely new to the Packard game; I currently have a '56 Chevy (yep, I'm one of THOSE guys) and I used to have a '56 Buick, and prior to that I was into Camaros/Firebirds (I also had long hair, Metallica shirts and a chain wallet.....I was young)

Given my tight budget, I'll probably run the Ultramatic trans at first. If it does well, I'll keep it in there until it gives up the ghost.

I know there are a lot of different opinons on the BTV setup, but I've read about enough failures to make me nervous enough to swap to something else. I had my brakes fail in a different car, and its not something I'd ever like to experience again.

When I do get it on the road, you're welcome to come for a ride for a suspension comparison!

Hello everyone,

I've actually already posted in the classifieds and in the 55-56 section, but I thought I'd drop by here and say hey.

I recently got my first Packard, a '55 Clipper Deluxe 4 door. It was my brother's car; he bought it as a restoration project while he was living at my house, and when he moved out, he left it, and gave it to me.

The car needs a lot of attention....floors need work, rockers need work, engine needs rebuilt. My brother did buy a lot of parts: rockers, floor pans, some brake parts for a conversion of some kind (Probably to get rid of that BTV setup), brake lines....he also rebuilt the front end with new coil springs.

I'm still debating it, but I am actually thinking about making this car a nice daily driver. Something I feel confident driving anywhere. Which likely means a brake upgrade, the Olds oil pump conversion, and from what I have been reading, a swap to a better transmission (perhaps a 700R4?) Given that this car is a 4 door, and what I think is the base model for Packards, I don't think I'm hurting the value too much.

Its going to be a long road, as the Packard has to compete for funds with my Bel Air and my boat, but I've got enough stubborn Scot in me not to give up!

Anyway, I'm glad to be a part of the site. Thanks to all.

First off, I apologize for what is likely a very basic, newbie question. Trying to get this car on the road with a tight budget, so I can enjoy driving it until I'm in a better financial position. Assuming that ever happens.

My '55 Clipper originally had a 320 V8. I still have it, but the previous owner tore it down and never rebuilt it. Block was hot tanked, but it needs bored out, and that was never done due difficulty in finding pistons. Or at least that's what I was told.

The heads were redone by the same shop that hot tanked the block, and are still sitting sealed up in their machine shop bags.

And I have all other little odds and ends - the intake, carb, valve covers, oil pan, timing cover, etc, off the 320.

In my search for a running Packard V8, I am finding 352's, but no 320's. I'm fine with the idea of running a 352, but how many of my current parts will swap over to the 352 without issues? Or, perhaps an easier question, what WON'T swap? I'm not sure if these are part of the same engine family (like SBC's) or if they are very different from each other.

I ask because if I find a good deal on a short block locally and most of the stuff will swap, that may be the best way to go. Most of the running engines I've found (all two of them) are pretty far away.

Thanks in advance!