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hmmm yeah wonder if it was from age? never know unless compared to a new one.

the 55 is flat, but retained by this screw looking pin things. kinda hard to explain. they look like masonry screws kinda.

anyways. i just came across that because i'm trying to read up on all the trim work you did etc. i have to remember what type of retainers are used and where etc....since i was a dork and didn't take many pics of it all. live and learn.

Hey BigKev, what type of fuel do you run and do you use any additives to make up for the lack of lead?

I am getting ready to start my L8, it is all original,and would like to start it off right. Thanks.

I just use regular unleaded (87) gas. California's finest pee-water blend (mtbe & ethanol added).

I dont use lead, zinc or any other additives.

Fantastic job, Big Kev!

You really brought your Packard back from the dead. Since I'm pretty new to Packard Info, I got to see it all happen very quickly instead of in real time. My favorite item on the '50's Clippers is the way they did the tail lights. Super-cool.

I need to thank you for your tip to use PB Blaster to get the clock working. Back in my younger days I ruined two Borg clocks trying to make them work. I had read an article that said to put some kerosene in a jar and suspend the clock in the top of the jar to allow the kerosene fumes to lubricate the clock mechanism. I tried that, and it didn't work, so I then attempted mechanical "adjustments" to make the clocks work, which didn't do them any good. On the Packard I used the PB Blaster method, and not exaggerating, the clock came back to life the instant the spray of PB Blaster hit the mechanism. I cleaned up the points, and now it works like new.


Jeff

Glad it worked for you!

So everytime I have drove the Clipper, she has blown blue smoke on acceleration. I was burning about 1 qt of oil (15w40) per 50 miles driven because of it.

So after the last drive, I added 1 qt of Lucas oil stabilizer to the engine oil to replace the missing quart. This time, there was no visible blue smoke on acceleration after about 5 mins of driving, and virtually no oil used on a 30 mile drive. Not sure if the Lucas is thickening the oil and preventing the blowby, or finally a ring that was stuck finally loosened up and sealed correctly.

More driving shall reveal the truth.

I'm very interested in your conclusion. I've used Lucas in other vehicles, mostly to gain oil pressure.

BigKev Quote:

I vote for the unstuck ring.

Craig

Headliner retaining strips painted and installed

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Pulled up the carpet and covered the entire floor with generic dynamat and foil bubble insulation. This has greatly reduced the road noise.

I roll of 2ft x 25ft Foil Bubble insulation from Lowes ($26) with cover the entire floor from firewall pad to rear deck, including the area behind the back seat. All seams covered with aluminum tape.

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