I finally got my 1955 Clipper Constellation running again after it had been sitting for about 15 years. I'm amazed I was able to accomplish that with my limited mechanical ability. One of the problems I had initially was that the generator became extremely hot and began to smoke after running the engine for only a few minutes. I bought an original rebuilt generator, installed it, but it still got hot and smoked. That problem was solved after I sought advice from this forum where it was suggested that the problem might be the voltage regulator. I installed a new voltage regulator and woolah!!! the problem was fixed. My other problem involves the torsion bar suspension. When I initially connected the battery, and turned the leveling switch on, the rear end moved up to its highest point and remains there. As advised by members of this forum, I've searched for any shorts in the wiring. I thought maybe a fuse blew out, but I have no idea where the fuse is located for the torsion suspension. I've looked for it, but I can't find it! Any suggestions on what to do to get the rear end of my car lowered? The car looks beautiful except for the high rear end. LOL. Thanks for any suggestions.

Dr Eli

I took your advice and joined the Packard Club. Thanks for the suggestion

My custom clipper constellation has a Delco generator

Thank you for your quick response. Although I'm not mechanically inclined, I have a number of "old car" friends who may be able to investigate your suggestions.


Thanks again, and have a wonderful day.

I am new to this forum. I have owned a 1955 Packard Clipper Constellation for about 33 years. I had a body on restoration done on it about 20 years ago and drove it frequently. However, I lost interest in it because of other obligations, so it sat in my garage for the last 10-13 years. I recently decided to renew my interest in it, and I was successful in getting the car started, but two problems occurred that I need some help with. While it was sitting for all those years the rear end when down significantly. Yet, when I connected the battery terminals recently, the torsion leveler raised the rear end to its maximum height and hasn't gone down since. Back is up and front is down. Any suggestions? Another problem: After starting the car and letting it idle for a while, the generator got extremely hot and eventually began to smoke. I bought a rebuilt one from a Packard parts supplier and replaced the one in my car with it. Unfortunately that didn't solve my problem. The rebuilt generator also became extremely hot and began to smoke. I disconnected the battery cable so I didn't start a fire. Any ideas? Please be advised that I am not mechanically inclined, but I'll listen to any advice you may give. I live near Pittsburgh, PA and I desperately need some guidance on what to do.

Thanks for any help you may suggest

Eli Dragisich
Weirton, WV