Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Keep an eye and an ear open during the trip. Most serious problems will present via Temp / Oil / Generator lights or via a noise.

It pays to check under the bonnet when you stop for a coffee etc. Just check your oil level early and mid-way, plus do check your brake fluid level before you leave. These are only standard procedures anyway, before any long trip.

You are likely to have a great drive in a great car!

Take a few shorter trips first. If the car has been out of commission, start with a 10 or 20 mile trip, if all goes well, work up to 50, 100 miles or more.

This will work out most bugs. If you can go out for a saturday jaunt of 100 miles with no distress, it should go 700.

It goes without saying that you should check it over carefully, replace iffy parts especially spongy rad hoses, mummified heater hoses, threadbare fan belts etc. And, be sure you have fresh oil, coolant, etc.

I would have to agree with Larry51. Check water, oil and brakes before you go. I like to carry water hoses and fan belts - the only time I've ever needed one in 55 years of driving was when there wasn't one in the trunk!

A fire extinguisher...and, yes, I learned the hard way.