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Thanks, Howard. There are no windows in the car, yet. Two doors don't close all the way. The throttle sticks. The overdrive didn't kick in. Wipers aren't in and rubber on runningboards not on. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

So far I missed the wedding, missed the 5th anniversary, and miss an important birthday. So the next thing to miss is Pebble Beach on the 17th.

Joe

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Progress languishes for lack of a window regulator part and window crank shafts.

The gauges restored by Abbot Instruments are all operating well.

Grounding seems to be the key problem on electrical failures using the new harnesses.

Tonight I'm jacking up the car and putting it on stands to re-thread the harness through the frame and to be sure all bolts in the drive train are tight, particularly u-joints.

The throttle linkage is much better since greasing it and lengthening the main throttle rod.

A number of other issues are drying up. The visors, for example, were a bear to refit, but both are in now.

The layers of new paint and chrome, the new rubber parts, weatherstrip and upholstery, all add thicknesses that present fitting problems. I'm surprised how tight the specs are to get things to seat properly. Very little tolerance.

The Duchess needs to visit the local Midas Muffler shop to make some adjustments in the tail pipe to it won't tap the frame and move it farther away from the gas tank. I stuck some muffler insulation on the corner of the tank as a safety measure.

Tomorrow night the wipers go in.

Have received lots of compliments, but in some ways, not being finished, makes the situation more frustrating.

The wipers went back to gather easily and work with enthusiasm.

The exhaust pipe had to be cut afore the muffler to not bang on the frame and rewelded. The tailpipe re-bent to be clear of the gas tank and not bang on the shock guard plate. The system was from John Kepich who has served Packard owners well over several decades. But if he sends you the wrong system, mine was for a longer wheelbase, don't simply accept the solution to cut part of it off. Fixing it cost as much as the original system. I had it ceramic coated before discovering it was wrong for the car. Lonnie at Midas in Beaverton made it fit, safe, and secure.

Continuing with the wiring and dash assembly.

The recut rear carpet arrived.Looks great.

The windows and doors still a problem.

I drove home from the muffler shop in 5 o'clock traffic. The engine is running smooth and quiet. To circumvent some of the stop and go, I took a route with a long steep hill. My Pacifica downshift to go up it. The Duchess took it with ease all the way in 3rd gear.

Suki ensures no kitten will be left behind.

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Joe, I too had some problems with exhaust system parts from John Kepich for my '47 Custom Clipper. He sent me two exhaust pipes, neither one would fit. Finally I cut one of them so there would be two pieces, fit the pipes and used a sleeve and two clamps to fasten the two together. The two-piece tail pipe he sent just would not work. I sent it back along with one of the exhaust pipes. I reused the old tail pipe which was serviceable. Disappointed that the new parts had fitting problems, but he was great to work with. Might try someone else next time.

(o{}o)

Slow but steady progress is still a good thing. I will be at your house at 7pm tomorrow evening ready to install runningboard rubber and get the runningboards on the Duchess. Hopefully, all will go smoothly.
Vaughn

TOP DOWN: For the first time. Transforms the Duchess into a parade car.

PRINCESS RIDES: First for my granddaughter Emi around the neighborhood with her poppa, son Joey, who recently purchased a 53 Buick. And the next day for my friends' daughter who turned 4 and prefers cars to dolls. Potential Brazilian American race car driver or designer. She liked the Packard before it had any fenders or seats. Her dad, Edson, takes artistic photos, like this hood ornament shot.

Unfortunately on this not-ready-for-prime-time run, The Duchess suffered vapor-lock and, on leaving, locked in gear on a steep hill pointing down. So one FINAL tow was in order and I was once again rescued by Jason at All Day Towing. Rolling backwards solved the problem, once I was off the hill. I adjusted the clutch pedal to spec (had way too much play).

TURN SIGNALS: Thought I was done with this, but finally obtained 6V Flasher from NAPA NP535 to install tonight and maybe wrap that job...grounding problems mainly. I made a pull knob for the emergency flasher switch from a door handle knob.

CLOCK: Keeps perfect time. Thanks Bruce, Abbott Instrument Restoration. I mean perfect, to satellite/iPhone time.

CENTER ASHTRAY: It must sit on a support bar above the radio that's missing. The piece behind it with the two indents to keep it positioned in place are there, but nothing under it.

WINDOWS AND DOORS no change.

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Today was hot. I pulled the Duchess outside and finished cementing bowdrill with 3M spray adhesive and installed weatherstripping.

Dog and cat joined me. Suki also called dibs on the rear window box seat.

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please tell me that cat is declawed!!!

I wish it were so.

You can see by her expression we're headed for ownership issues. This is Sophie's seat (148# Rotty). (Of course the seat will be covered with something.)

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I have a leather covered ottoman that goes with my Morris chair. For about 15 years it was the favorite resting place for my beloved and late cat, Nigel. He would get so relaxed that he would start to slip off of the stool, then quickly grab the cover with his claws and rearrange himself on it. The ottoman has many scars from that old cat. I had thought about having it recovered, but have decided against it as looking at it brings back many fond memories. I recommend covering the seats in you Duchess if you want to keep them looking nice.

(o{}o)