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Thank so very much R H!

Switched out the new temperature sending unit and put the old one back in, finally the gauged moved. It climbed about midway then went down when the thermostat opened. I put on a new radiator cap but it still puked out some coolant. not as much. the level is about 2-3 inches below the top of the tank. would this be normal?

Purchased a mechanical oil pressure gauge and hooked it up. the oil pressure is around 50-55
would this be normal with the melling pump?

also noticed today that when the car was in neutral and was revved up it wanted to creep forward. Doesn't do it in park.
Would this be an adjustment issue or something more serious? Where would I start looking?

thanks

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Now that I know the transmission and other system works, it was time to pull everything out for rebuilding. Found a somewhat local engine builder that has worked on the Packard V8's before, and a 70 year old transmission builder to put a kit in the Twin Ultramatic. I removed 12 lbs. of dirt, gravel and oil from the transmission. Any tips or suggestions/cautions I should pass on to these gentlemen? Both will be getting copies of the relevant service manual section.

The pressure switch on the Ultramatic? is there a test that can be performed to check if it works? The wires from the switch were previously tied together and bypassed the pressure switch. Or just look for a replacement?(here's hoping there out there)

Also does anyone perhaps have a fix for the vent window bracket? both sides have large cracks. also on the drivers side the window channel has become detached from the frame. this photo is of one I dismantled. can it be screws or riveted? Or will they interfer?

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Riki also had a cracked casting on his 56 a few months ago and tried a repair. IIRC, the first approach did not work and he had to do something else. If he doesn't see your post and reply reasonably soon you might send him a PM and ask about it. There are some photos in his blog but it is lengthy and covers a lot of subjects so those specific posts may be hard to find. I believe they would be in the last 10 or 15 pages.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=10577

The most important thing to watch in building an Ultra is the fit of the shafts within the bushings. .002-.003 was factory standard and anything over .005 clearance starts to cause pressure loss.

You will almost certainly need to make new pivot pins for the band actuators. The originals were made with a square groove in the middle to help facilitate premature failure.

Thanks HH56 , I will search Riki blog
& Ross, thanks so much for your advice & for your input

Hi all,
While waiting for the engine to be rebuilt, I have been doing some rust repair on the passenger side, (I have the similar issues on the drivers side.) I have rebuilt the A pillar, replaced the floor and a rear body mount. I have yet to weld the new rocker panel in

I could use some help please , I need a clearer photo of the inner wheel well where the rocker ends to rebuild it. It is the area in the red square(in the last photo, this I borrowed from Stewart Ballard)

sidenote: the transmission guy I was hoping to rebuild the twin ultramatic will not be now. how much of an "adventure" is it to take on oneself. Or does anyone know of a transmission rebuilder in Canada or the western states? that could take on the project.

thanks

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Ship your trans to ross.



And I would use his shift mod.

Apparently Russ Sylvis is the West Coast Ultramatic specialist which, according to Ross who recommended him (as I recall), does good work. If interested, PM me and I’ll send you his email.

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated