Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

Congratulations! That’s always a big step and feeling of accomplishment.

You guys are not going to believe this.
A FedEx truck pulled in earlier with a large package from QUietRide.

The heater plenum that I ordered 15 months ago, which they have already refunded my money and said they can't duplicate anymore, showed up today.

1st they sent me a plenum for an earlier model.

Then they refunded my money.

Then I sold the incorrect plenum that they shipped to me.

I have already rebuilt my original plenum, which I should have done in the first place.

I have no need for this new plenum as I have already moved beyond that point.

I may have this one to sell soon if anyone is interested. I want to wait a few weeks to make sure QuietRide does not reach out to me.

I guess they are back in business for repop 55-56 packard plenums.

Attach file:

---

  20230517_134911_resized.jpg (223.82 KB)


  20230517_134921_resized.jpg (225.18 KB)

My head light switch came a part in my hands yesterday. It is in about 6 pieces.
I have one of those universal switches but it won't work with the original bezel. Just my luck.

What type of "gear oil" do I put in the steering gear?

I remember reading a post from Ross some time ago. He suggests 90w gear oil, that what I put it mine when I drained and cleaned it

Quote:
Here is another option if your universal switch cannot be modified or will not work to become a stock looking install.

If you cannot fix your original Packard switch, at least both new and used headlight switches are still available -- although NOS are getting expensive. My issue with the original switch is the rheostat and courtesy light wiper section and the rivet connections between terminals and the wiper pieces wants to corrode if the car sits. Once corrosion starts it seems to be a recurring issue and if a car sits for an extended period the dash lights become erratic if they work at all.

After cleaning a switch only to have dash lights fail again a few months later I installed a GM style headlight switch on my 56. It was not hard to do but did take a little bit of work. Also did a bit extra and made a short pigtail connector assy so the Packard bullet terminals would not need modifying to work with GM style quick disconnect tab terminals. That way the next owner can easily go back to an original switch if desired.

The writeup date says I did the mod in 2011. Car has sat in the garage for the majority of time since then and probably has not had the headlights turned on more than once or twice since the mod. Just went out a few minutes ago to try the lights for the first time in years and the dash lights still worked perfectly. Only thing I would do differently if I did it again is work on a different shim method or maybe build up the end of the shortened triangular GM shaft to make the end round to better match it to the round Packard knob hole and retainer.

Attach file:

---

Headlight switch.pdf Size: 501.30 KB; Hits: 49

I would imagine that Gerry at Packards Southwest would have switches at a reasonable price.

Did I get carried away with the body filler and cover up the holes for this piece of trim?
If not, how does it attach to the car? It doe snot match up with the holes in the chrome.

Attach file:

---

  20230524_093249_resized.jpg (122.75 KB)


  20230524_093136_resized.jpg (170.94 KB)

I can't catch a break lately.

9 years ago I traveled to Franklin Indiana (a 3-hour drive) to Max Merrits to pick up a fuel tank as my 400 did not have one. I brought it home and put it on a shelf until needed.
I pulled it down this week and was inspecting it this morning. A couple of little taps with a hammer and those little black dots that I found became nickel size holes.
I guess there is no point in patching it is there? There are surely more weak spots that I don't know about.

Attach file:

---

  20230525_134113_resized.jpg (279.14 KB)

If you're able to seal the inside of it, I would patch it and do that, personally. The weight of gasoline is very little pressure.

You should be able to get a reman fuel tank from Auto City Classics. If there is any question about the old tank, I would just get new. Then you never have to worry about it again. They fit great, look excellent, and function very well.

The cost is a consideration. However, my understanding is that a sealing/restoration process like Renu costs just as much as a new tank.

-Kevin