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So glad you were not seriously hurt but that was really a bad start to the day for sure. I almost did the same on the 47 but was able to catch it just in time and cannot believe that we are the only ones who have managed to do it. Expect it was probably a more than common happening back in the day because it is somewhat inconvenient and easy to forget to walk around and release/tighten the dual hood latches.

Have wondered why Packard didn't put that extra spring safety catch that needs to push inward more in the middle and in some kind of receiver on the hood side so that it had to move sideways to clear a slot or something. If there was more of a capture with the spring latch it would keep the down side from coming off the pegs. Wonder if it was an issue with other mfgs that used the clamshell hood.

WOW! Thanks for the heads up. I know darn well I've inadvertently had both sides unlocked when working under the hood. I really didn't think that could happen. I'll be more careful now. Glad you weren't really hurt.

Yes, glad to hear your okay. I think I had asked this question once before, but to clear this up for me. you should lock down the opposite side before opening the other side?
Wes

Yes, absolutely. Unless you want to suffer the same mishap as Mal or want to intentionally remove the hood, you must lock the side opposite of the side you wish to open.

Good Evening all...I believe that Mal has a better than average Guardian Angel who was paying close attention to Mal's bonnet or hood! Ernie in Arizona

Monday 4th June, 2018

"I'll review the hood and fender more closely tomorrow to determine the full extent of the damage."

Actually all I did was walk around it today. Can't see much in the way of further damage except for a couple of spots on the top of the right side of the hood, but they might or might not have already been there. They appear to be dents from the underside, will know more on Thursday. Why Thursday? Because my son-in-law is coming over to give me a hand to lift the hood back on board the Packard. In the meantime it will sit where it is because if I try to move it myself it might sustain further damage.

Oh, and after seeing the orthopaedic surgeon this morning, who gave me a good report on the wrist(but it could be 6-12months before full movement returns), posted off the comfort parcel of '48 pedals and bits to Norway. The seamail option was taken, so in 30+ days John(joborg2) should receive his RHD parts.

Glad you didn't get hurt with the hood! You have a story to tell when people ask about the scratch on the fender.

Glad you didn't get clobbered by that hood too hard. I've wondered whether those hoods unlatched from both sides could become lose if not latched on one side. Buick had the same style on their cars for a while.

Steve

Gents, for the thoughts. Fortunately only my pride and ego were hurt, that's if you discount some scratches and scrapes on the Packard! A lesson was learned the hard way and hopefully sets an example and warning to others to: "Don't try this at home".

Thursday 7th June, 2018

With my Son-in-Law, Nick, on the left side and me on the right, we lifted the bonnet(hood) up then rotated it level and walked it back over the engine bay. But, before we could rotate it, the trolley jack sitting in front of the Packard had to be moved out of the way. Because Nick and I had our hands full my wife, Kath, was press-ganged into pulling the jack back out of the way speedily ? la Formula I pit crew. With the speed and expertise she demonstrated, she just might be able to swing a job like that if given half a chance. Kath is not normally "hands on" when it comes to working on Packards. Her "help" usually encompasses only checking whether head, tail and brake lights together with turn indicators are working or not. Once the bonnet(hood) was positioned over the engine bay it was lowered into place. However it didn't sit right on the right side, left was perfect, necessitating a number of re-positionings before it seated properly. But why was the jack where it was in the first place? Because it is postioned so that when I drive into the garage it provides a marker to gently edge the Packard up to. It's also a good place to store it and, in this instance, provided a stop so that the bonnet(hood) when it fell went so far and no further. Now the bonnet is back on the car again and locked in place. And, in future, will only be opened one side at a time with the other side always locked in the closed position.
Nick and Kath for your help.

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