update-I have a rolling chassis

I pulled a shock mount off the parts cars, this one had been previously repaired so I used it for now. May keep looking for something in better condition

The Suspension work is complete. both the front and rear bushings. I had a little trouble getting the watts linkage attached, but used a cargo strap to hold the body down while jacking up the axle.

I also found a shop that would smooth out the rear brake drums so I could at least have an emergency brake for now when I roll the chassis out to clean the underside of it.

I'm still hunting for rear brake drums that can be serviceable.

Decided to work on my Ranco thermal valve. I followed Bigkev's "how to" for that repair(thanks) cleaned and media blasted it. when assembling it I couldn't get it to seat tight. so I took a piece of hardwood, drilled a 15/16" hole 3 " deep, cut out the top portion, place a hardened washer on top, this had a portion of it cut out to fit around the copper pipe. then I place a 3/4" socket on top and with a clamp pulled it snug before bending the tabs down. seems to work, need a different way to test it other than putting it in the car...Suggestions?

I ordered replacement panels for the floors and rockers from C2C fabrication. plan the fix the floor before putting in my rebuilt brake booster.

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  Watts linkage.JPG (4,037.68 KB)


  Ranco thermal valve (3).JPG (2,980.20 KB)


  Ranco thermal valve (4).JPG (3,010.74 KB)


  Rolling chassis.JPG (3,976.39 KB)

Check the center bushing . Group 13.11678
It wasn’t included in the kit I bought, from Dwight. and I required it. I bought mine from Max Merritt
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/mod ... /Plates/1955-1956/32B.jpg

And your right, Nice guy very helpful.

Kevinpackard-yes, will try to fix it with a plate or washer me thinks. May go out and check the parts car to see if that one is in any better shape

HH56-thanks for the link to those posts. I had not seen those ones, too bad about the photos

Owen_Dyneto-thanks very much for the size of bolts

have to replace/fix the shock bracket too.
what would be the cause of this? is it common?

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  shock bracket.JPG (2,873.73 KB)

working on the rear suspension this week, I have replaced the rear bushings and want to tackle the Watts linkage

my question is.... what size bolts have you fellows use when you drilled and tapped the holes for the center bushing?
1/4"- 5/16"? fine threads?

your help is appreciated very much!

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  rear axle bushings overhaul (4).JPG (3,541.04 KB)


  watts linkage rebuild (7).JPG (3,349.30 KB)


  watts linkage rebuild (8).JPG (2,968.49 KB)

It was suggested to me to look at these guys

Website is “Kingofdice” search for 1956 Packard, they have reproduction tail light and backup light lenses

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/mod ... /Plates/1955-1956/29G.jpg

Check out the parts plate or perhaps 29F

R H- I doubled checked my order from Kanter, it is the correct part number. As the car didn’t have either one on it, I have no comparison. Thanks for the observation


BDeB- thanks for confirming that torque requirement, and assembly process. I will carefully give it a go.

Thanks very much Ross! Much appreciated

I don’t see anything in the service manual.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated, even if it’s telling me where to look