Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello ladies and gentelmen...



My name is mike, and im looking at a 1956 packard patrician. It is pretty loaded, and in very good shape. It is equipped with a column shifted hydromatic. Ive been hanging around the site reading, but have some unanswerd questions. Mostly, I would like to know what grade of engine oil and transmission fluid are required. I am also wondering if transmission filters are still available. (im assuming they had filters). I know i am forgetting some things at the moment, so untill i remember...

Thank you!

I use 10W-30 in my 56 V8. Just pick your favorite brand. I use Dexron-Mercon in the automatic transmission but most other Packard owners use something else and i don't remeber what.

The trans filter can be removed,CLEANED and replaced.

ok, thanks! what is the process for cleaning the filter?

Welcome aboard,
Mike,
I have read on some sites here that some members use
B&M Trick Shift fluid and state that they feel a remarkable inprovement in the operation of the tranny. I plan to try this whenever I do a fluid change. I also use 10w30 oil.

I will try that as well. Thanks for the info!

I would like to know how someone put a Hydromatic in a Packard?

Quote:

Eric,

Might be a slip of the finger? Hydro instead of Ultra?

Mike,

Welcome aboard and enjoy the Packardinfo site, sure you'll find it very useful and informative for your Pat WHEN not if you get it. And WHEN you get it please could you put an entry in the Owners Registry together with a pic, and known history?

Welcome to the best damn Packard web-site! I use Valvoline type FA in my 56 twin-ultramatic. It is unusual to see a 56 Patrician without pushbutton gearshift. The car has several outstanding features. I hope you get it and come back to post a picture and put it in the registry. There is a lot of good help available for any questions you have.

Like Randy I also use Type FA (which I consider interchangeable with Type F) in my 56 Twin Ultramatic. I've tried Dexron III/Mercon with less than satisfactory results. Types F and FA are the closest still available to the original Type A, and they were still used in a couple of European cars until just a few years ago. Never saw the need to try the B&M stuff, though I had one of their "locked hydramatics" in the 54 Hudson we drag raced many moons ago.

Yeah, ultramatic, my bad. I hope to make my offer within the next day or two. the seller is a policeman who works odd shifts, so he is hard to get a hold of.

i dont have a pic, but once its here i will. it is a black 56 patrician, column shift, power antenna, power rear suspension and the origanal owners manual in the glovebox, and the origanal key in the ignition. it is possible that it was a police car at some point, but were not sure.