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Hi Mal, sorry I hadn't seen your prior post about banter in the chat room sooner. Mal it's as simple as this... we all like you. I think we often become known for smoothing, for instance the running banter about me for a couple years was the allusive ashtray. Dave, Kev, and who knows whom else had fun with that till Dave found one and sent it. Kev continually gives me the business about buying a 56 Packard. We go back and forth in good fun. Kind of the way guys give each other the business at the car show, or pub.

Before Dave arrived in the live chat, we had fun speculating at his expense if a whole car might appear on someone's driveway that he might source and send for fun. I have received a number of mystery packages, Dave is known for that sort of activity, that's why we are taking fun poke's at him. The things written in live real-time chat were not meant to be mean to you, really in my mind just waiting for you to log in and continue the light hearted ribbing. In context, it makes more sense. Mal, as each of us are known for our own thing, you are known for lot's of pictures, commentary, and on the hunt for the allusive snubber. That is not a bad thing, just fun banter.

Sadly, what wasn't seen in the BS'ing was the part about "we should have an international P-Info meet where Gerd and Mal could join us". Truth be told, I hope to meet you eventually. As a rule, I don't kid about someone I don't care for. I think I have given the pre-Mal welcome at times, stating "a nice fellow will be along soon to make a request" sort of thing.

I never realized the registry was such a serious matter to you. I would not bust your chops over something that is that near and dear to you. The snuubber also seems to be a part you have your heart set on. I have one that needs re-vulcanizing, but is indeed serviceable. As a symbol of my fondness for you I will gladly send it along, Please PM your mailing address and I will expedite.

Bottom line, the lighthearted banter did not read as such after the fact. I am profusely sorry for the hurt feelings. You are correct about the chat room not really being chat, but recorded conversation. I will take that lesson to heart.

Please accept my sincere apology,
Jim

Jim! Jim! Jim!

All I said was in jest! It's just that I'm heavy handed on the keyboard and any nuaces, inflexions and such just don't come across well in the written word. Accordingly no apology is required or expected. I'm sure the written word, except in the hands of poets, good novelists and exceptional wordsmiths, is often misconstrued. I'm also sure that it has happened on PackardInfo with a recent departure probably being attributable, at least partly, to this.

I certainly enjoy the Owner Registry and champion it's cause trying to encourage all Packard owners here to include theirs.

The snubber.....to me at least it's just a dream and David has given me hope that it could be something more than that. It has become a sort of holy grail, just like your ashtray, but it's not something I lose sleep over.

I suppose if I'd used smilies of many descriptive emotions to illustrate my posts I wouldn't get into the sort of trouble I've now stirred up?


Another thing, I referred to Mouton as a cat, a correction is needed because Mouton is a lamb is it not? My apologies Mouton.

Tuesday 25th May 2010

Wade was adjusting the timing on Noel's '39 when I arrived. Because the harmonic balancer wasn't marked or have a pointer he looked on the flywheel for markings for TDC, but in vain. Settled for setting it using of his finely tuned ear which usually proves very accurate anyway. Then onto the '41, firstly with John welding the heads of the bolts holding the hand brake cable to the trans crossmember. This because of the impossible position these are in when trying to re-install the clamp to the crossmember, can't get a spanner on them to stop them from turning inside the crossmember. Then it was under the '41 trial fitting the crossmember, but didn't seem to line up. Out from under and repositioned the front engine mount, there being two sets of holes on the front cross member probably to accommodate 160/180 engines too? Back under, but still not aligned, this time too far forward. So back out, engine back to again and back under the car, and what do you know, this time they aligned. All that remained then was to bolt the cross member in. Easily said, but a little harder to do as it took quite some time to get everything done and tightened up. Then hooked up the tailshaft again, luckily Wade had ensured I marked the caps so I knew which one went on which. Wade was going to continue with installing undercar parts, specifically the clutch linkage, when I departed as grandfatherly babysitting duties again called.

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Looks like Gerd has depicted Mouton the way I sometimes see Moutons older friends. Yes, mouton is a lamb. The back-story on the running joke / connection to Mouton and our Packard's is some of the cars used Mouton carpet. West and others described Mouton wool and the notion that Mouton Carpet is very young lamb. A week or so after reading that thread, one of our sheep had a little lamb, cleaned it, and got it on its feet, but seemed to completely forget about it and did not take care of it. The little lamb was doomed, giving that final death rattle with heavy head and sinking eyes. My wife said she would bottle feed it. This is a very expensive proposition, about $4 to $6 dollars a day in evaporated goat milk and honey for about 4 to 6 weeks depending on how they come along. Keep in mind a yearling lamb is worth about $30 - $40 bucks. Not a great investment, but makes her happy.

I recalled the Peterson thread about Mouton wool and showed it to Debbie and teased her about using mouton for the rear carpet in the Packard. She said only if it could exit the car and return to the pasture. Of course, that became the running joke with Dave, local Packard folks, and eventually made it to the Peterson threadhttps://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=4307&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=60 Post # 70 where I jokingly offered Mouton to West for his rear compartment. Imagine Debbie's surprise and dismay to see little Mouton on the P-Info pages. West was having none of little Mouton. West informed us that our Mouton was just too old. Besides, West's existing Mouton looks pretty good and will not likely stray from the car when a show is held on grass.

It didn't stop there. Big Kev mentioned that his interior was rough. His floors were bear and his seats mere springs. I did the only thing any concerned P-Info member in my position could do, that's right... I offered him Mouton carpet!https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=57&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=720 Post 727. To my complete and utter surprise (and Debbie's joy!) Big Kev was having none of Mouton in the back of his car. Kev said "No more animals of any kind in the Clipper! Not unless I am installing a grass floor! It would work well as the floor already has multiple drainage holes!" Well, what now... the only thing I could think of since Mouton was related to a number of proper Packard interiors was to register Mouton in the owner's registry, and post pictures of each feeding! Tong in cheek, taking a moment to give you the business about Mouton as well Mal.

Just kind of a ha ha deal that a number of us were bantering about, but it seems to have gone astray in the chat room.

Again, sorry for the Tomfoolery and hope the proverbial lamb is out of the bag! The offer stands on the snubber. PM me your mailing address and I will send one over straight away.

Thanks Mal,
Jim

Wednesday 26th May 2010

Arrived to find Wade putting the trans top back on the '41, prior to that he'd topped up the oil with the top off, a much more civilised way of doing it rather than under the car. And a reminder we'd topped the OD up yesterday before the engine/trans unit went back in the '41, also much easier doing it that way. And hadn't Wade been busy in my absence. Re-installed starter motor, generator, clutch and brake pedal linkages, road draft tube and many more. By the looks of it, I only hold him back when I'm around! After the trans top he was back under the '41 to re-connect the gear linkages while I screwed the pedal floor plate into place. I also cleaned up the block and head surfaces in preparation for re-installing the cylinder head. Before putting the head on though Wade liberally oiled each cylinder. Head in place, unleashed the bling in the form of chromed, domed heat nuts and washers, then torqued down the head in increments to 63ft/lbs, or is that lbs/ft? It's much easier doing it in the car when there aren't any mudguards(fenders) impeding accessibility. Can also understand why Wade has the tightening sequence memorised he's done it so often. The oil filter housing and lines were also hooked up as well as the oil filler tube. The engine was then filled to slightly overfull with Penrite Running In Oil, and the oil filter filled as well before it's top was put on and it also benefited from a new filter cartridge. The shop booster battery was then brought into play with a good dose of 12V cranking to circulate oil throughout the engine, confirmed by the oil pressure gauge showing slight movement.

That done, then all the remaining parts and pieces needing to go back on the engine were attended to. Carburettor and linkages, water pump, exhaust pipe, distributor & cap & leads, sparkplugs, horns, coil, fuel & vacuum lines, etc, etc. Even though the radiator wasn't connected it was decided to see if it would fire up. You'll be able to see most of the attempts in this video. Main problems to starting were 1) no fuel in the lines, 2) Optima 6V battery had been sitting for almost 6 months, & 3) Mal in attendance at the throttle linkage. First couple of attempts turned over but no fuel up to carb. Then used 12V booster only, and fuel now up to carb. Checked and re-set timing slightly before next attempt, still no joy. Re-set timing again, by this time Rick had come over to join the fun, but although it kicked didn't keep going. By this time too much fuel and was flooded and Rick advised I should have held the throttle open longer when it did kick. So handed over throttle duties to Rick while I videoed, and it worked, didn't run for long but it did run. The next and last attempt, unfortunately not captured on video, started and continued running but not long enough for any real heat to be generated, and oil pressure was up to about 40lbs so that seems OK, and it ran smoothly and quietly. Left it at that until the radiator is back on and water in the system before firing it up again. Checked the engine over, no oil leaks but there is a leak at the fuel pump which requires investigation and corrective action.

Quote:Jim,

Thanks for the generous offer, but I am putting my fate in the hands of The Flackmaster and Bates Engineering. I'm expecting a call any day now.

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Friday 28th May 2010

Today we were going to fire up the '41 again but other things intervened. Like what? Like..............Packards! But before moving on to that I'll just mention that yesterday although I didn't go the workshop, and neither did Wade, I dropped in the '41's OD cable to General Auto Instruments for repair or replacement. Working on the '41 earlier in the week, Wade found the OD cable wouldn't budge at all. When worked on back in 2008, see this post in Mal's '41 Club Coupe Project Blog, the cable had a kink in it which impeded operation. Now it just won't move at all. GAI are the people we've used previously for making new hand brake and speedo cables and Harvey also used them for a new OD cable for one of Vince's '39's. But when in showing counterman Daniel the cable, fitting and switch instead of the "she'll be right. mate" response I was expecting, it was something like "Oh, I don't know if we can do that." Apparently the fact it has a switch in it and has been tampered with previously(no, not by us) led to him giving disclaimers about trying but could end up in failure or a pile of pieces!!!! What was I to do? Rang Wade, but no answer so left a message. Also left the cable at GAI and advised I'll call with instructions as to whether to proceed or not. So after talking it over with Wade this morning, rang and gave GAI the go ahead. After all we need a cable for the OD. So GAI the ball's now in your court!

But back to today. Earlier in the week I'd arranged for Wade and myself to go and see new PACA member ChrisR, and his Packards, and he's also a PackardInfo member but more of that later. A little about Chris first and the Packard influences in his life. Chris's brother had a '37 or '38 110 Sedan some 40 years ago which impressed Chris at the time. Also the '54 Convertible now owned by our Club President and which Chris had come across previously in the last few years also left it's mark. All this inspired him into acquiring the 3 Packards he now has. Chris also has a '62 Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo which he's had for 20 years and which he restored and is also building a '53 Studebaker Starliner Coupe with Chev V8, B&M Hydro, Jag Rear End, Disc Brake Front End on a Hawk chassis but will look "stock". Then recently, well September 2009, Chris bought 2 Packards in the US off eBay. A '48 Club Sedan and a '54 Clipper Super Club Sedan. The '48 was, and maybe still is, going to be built into a "woodie" but when he saw it after arrival he's now in two minds whether to do that or not because it's in much better condition than expected. The '48 is presently parked at a hot rod shop at Camden, about 45 miles south-west, so was not viewable today but when I do see it I'll post pic's. The '54 is currently being worked on with suspension and brakes including the BTV all rebuilt and when the body work is done will be up and running soon. Since buying these two Packards, Chris also bought another Packard off eBay in the US, this time a '53 Mayfair Hardtop, which only arrived a week ago! Looks like he's got the disease real bad! Chris has had all 3 running since hitting Aussie soil and all appeared to run well, well as well as dirty carbs and such will allow. Plus, I'm penning an article about Chris and his cars for an upcoming edition of our club magazine to introduce him as a new member in the club. And being a PackardInfo member I advised Chris it was his duty to include all 3 Packards in the Packard Owner's Registry and seeing I knew where he lived, like Auntie Jack if he didn't I'd come round and rip his bloody arms off! On the lighter side, was also able to give Chris a quick tutorial on using PackardInfo so there is a more caring and sharing side to this PackardInfo member, not the Owner Registry Ogre some might think I am.


On the way back to the workshop also called in to see John, the owner of the TJ Richards bodied '39 sedan Wade transplanted a rebuilt motor into last year. And I learned that Noel, earlier in the week on his way back from seeing Peter Packard in Canberra about 170 miles south of Sydney, had an accident in the Ute he was driving. Aquaplaned over 150 yards before crashing into a tree and ending upside down, truck driver following pulled up, raced over, yanked open the passengers door and was able to get Noel out. Noel's OK, sore from the seat belt doing its job, and just thankful it's not worse. In fact Noel dropped some parts into the workshop while we were out so it hasn't slowed him down too much.

Video '54 Clipper Super Club Sedan

Link to Picasa Album of Chris's cars Dave, there are Theft Proof Numbers and Body I/D Tags in amongst them. Very hard to determine engine numbers but the '53 starts with L4 and the '54 with M3.

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Monday 31st May 2010

Wade was working on Noel's '39 when I arrived, tidying up the grommet/gasket where the wiring harness and oil pressure, temp gauge and coil wire tubes pass through the firewall. Was able to lend a hand on the engine side while Wade worked from the cabin side. Wade also installed the carpeted interior to the firewall, right side kick panel and radio head. Battery clamped in and seat base installed and then started it up. So Noel you'll be pleased to know it runs, and in time for the Morris Minor Picnic Club run tomorrow.

My side of things, after finishing holding screws and screwdrivers for Wade, consisted of this. Remounted the radiator/fender support rod/bracket to the radiator cradle of the '41. Gave the radiator a flush, no foreign matter evident just clear water, which is good and to be expected seeing it had been professionally cleaned before the '41 went back on the road, January '09. Remounted the radiator in it's cradle in the front clip. Took off the front wheels to enable the front clip to be re-mounted. Filled the steering box with Penrite Steering Box Fluid. This comes in a "tube" and has the consistency of tar, being very hard to pour. So first I heated the tube until the fluid would pour and poured it into an old Penrite Steering Fluid plastic bottle container. From there it was decanted into the steering box, as it was still runny, in five doses. Because it is so thick, it would plug the filler hole, necessitating turning the steering wheel lock to lock (very easy to do with the front end off the ground) until the air lock cleared or alternatively poking a little finger through it enabling it to run. That all done then it was time to start the '41 up again to reset the timing. But who left the key on flattening the battery? I have to confess t'was I! Last week when we tried to start it I was the one in the cabin so there was no hiding from it! Trouble is, being left like that, it's now as flat as a tack. Left it hooked up for re-charging overnight. Points were checked and don't appear be damaged. Might be able to give it a try before the Morris Minor Picnic Club run gets underway tomorrow morning from the workshop.

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Monday Tuesday 1st June 2010

When Ted, the organiser of the Morris Minor Picnic Club, was looking for a rendezvous and start point for the June run Wade very kindly offered up his "shed" for the task. And like a couple of weeks ago when Tas, Phil, and wife Marjorie visited we were providing refreshments in the form of morning tea. Wade was already there and had set up the refreshments bar near the workshop entrance, when I arrived. The bar consists of a metal surface (looks like it could have been a very large drip tray in a former life) supported by a pair of 44 gallon drums(that's Imperial gallons, or about 200 litres), nothing but the best where catering is concerned in the workshop. Add to that the hot water urn, on loan from Ted, about a dozen mugs, some tea spoons and it's really starting to come together. Then it was my turn to add to the occassion with the provision of tea bags, instant coffee, sugar sticks, milk, a packet of chocolate biscuits, a packet of Anzac biscuits, a packet of rice cracker biscuits, two different cheeses and some thickly sliced ham, can't say we didn't spare any expense in doing this.

While I was preparing the refreshments our first run participant, Reg, arrived. Refreshment preparation consisted of cutting up the cheeses and ham into savoury style cubes and displaying these together with the rice crackers in a plastic five compartment serving tray from the Two Dollar Shop, see NO expense. After some chit-chat, Reg made his own cup of tea, again NO expense, and taking some cheese and biscuits, we made our way into the workshop. After looking at the '41 Reg pointed back to the refreshments bar and said "Will you look at that". That turned out to be Misty, John's dog, helping herself to the refreshments! The sight of that prompted a startled response from this correspondent moving faster than he has for quite some time, in the direction of the pilfering pooch, accompanied by life-threatening threats. Arriving at the crime scene found Misty's discerning tastes had limited her to the ham, one of the two types of cheese and the chocolate biscuits. About half the ham cubes were gone, about a third of the cheese cubes and over half the chocolate biscuits. Not to fear, still had another thick slice of ham in reserve, enough cheese and two chocolate biscuits, making a total of five biscuits remaining out of eleven started with. By this time more of the run participants were arriving and were invited to make themselves tea or coffee and help themselves to the nibblies, again NO expense. People continued to arrive until it reached the stage we ran out of mugs for the tea and coffee, Fortunately, by this time, the earlier arrivals had finished their drinks, too bad if they wanted a re-fill, and their mugs were washed up by yours truely and pressed into service for the new arrivals. Think I did this washing up trick three times and was able to satisfy the demand for mugs, although I did see a few had requisitioned paper cups from the water dispenser and pressed those into service. Also did my hostly "thing" by circulating around the run participants with tray of nibblies in one hand, plate of biscuits in the other and Misty dogging every step I took. Needless to say she wasn't getting any more goodies, BAD DOG! Had a very busy time and wasn't able to take any pic's except for a few at the very death. But in circulating did catch up with a guy who worked for many years at the same company as I had, he now owns an MGB roadster.

Must have totalled about 30 people who were doing the MMPC run, maybe a record, most I had seen on the occassions I've gone on these runs is no more than 20. The last sight I had, before I went off to do the washing up again followed by grandfatherly babysitting duties, was of Wade and Gina departing in Big Red and Noel following in his '39. Noel wants to keep the '39 ticking over and be sure it's ready for the 4 day Tamworth run at the end of June. We almost had another PackardInfo member there too, in the form of Russpackaus, AKA Russell, PACA's treasurer who had a business meeting in the vicinity and was going to try and get to the workshop if he could. At least he was closer this time because his previous excuse, for not catching up when Phil and Marjorie visited, was being in Singapore on business.

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And here is a candid camera moment, courtesy of Gina, from today's workshop pitstop of the MMPC run.

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Wednesday 2nd June 2010

Long day at the workshop with real progress made on the '41. All going well, probably driving it home on Friday!

Wade had started up the '41's engine just prior to my arrival and was inspecting the leak at the fuel pump so that was the first task undertaken. The leak was coming from the "bulb" which threads in above the outlet port on the pump, it wasn't tight. Took the bulb off, fuel cleaned up, thread sealing tape applied and re-tightened. Wade then re-checked the timing because of all the freeplay adjusting which had gone on last week. Reset it, fired it up, timing light on and it was spot on. Also found an oil leak, traced to the oil filter top needing a little more tightening, and fixed.

Next task was re-connecting the front clip with the rest of the '41. A little preparation first to ensure we had the bolts on hand to hold it in place while it was then aligned, bolted and tightened up. Then some extra muscle in the form of John and Rick and the front clip was lifted and walked back to the '41. A little bit of - right a bit, down a bit, up a bit, push a bit and down a bit and there we were with a couple of bolts holding it in place. Wade and I then set about the alignment process and this took much longer to do. Next was putting the bonnet(hood) back on. It had been sitting on top of Rick's wrecked Lexus Soarer Coupe for the past couple of months and was finally coming home. Easy enough to place it back on, but in doing so the centre strip came forward about 3/16" from where it should be leaving a gap where there previously wasn't one. Took a fair bit of tightening, then loosening, then pushing to finally correct it. Bonnet props were then re-mounted, the front end stays re-mounted to the front crossmember and radiator cradle and the radiator re-tightened (it had been loosened off to help the front clip re-alignment process). The front bumper was then re-mounted, with more up a bit down a bit from Wade underneath while I held and manouevered the bumper bar, bumper irons and stone guard assembly.

That done I started on re-installing the front interior items still outstanding while Wade worked on the front end wiring. But...... I soon realised I couldn't do anything with the floor coverings until the accelerator pedal mount was rebolted to the floor. I'd taken the two nuts and bolts out early in the piece to paint, clean and re-install them but they got overlooked! Mea Culpa! Had to call on Wade's services to hold the nuts while I tightened the bolts. He's a glutton for punishment, that Wade, cramped under a mudguard(fender) while I cleaned up the bolts then manouevering the nuts and holding them in position in very tight quarters. Was then able to re-install the underlay, rubber matting and carpet and the accelerator pedal(NOS - from Flackmaster enterprises). Front seat squab was re-installed with Wade's help.

Then I was onto re-installing the inner fender panels while Wade continued with the wiring. Lets just say this doesn't seem to be my forte and I struggled. Needed Wade's help to get the left side front panel into place and bolted in. Turned to the left side rear inner panel and struggled, and struggled and struggled some more. In the end that's where I left it and will pick up the running on Friday as it's highly unlikely I'll be there tomorrow.

While working on the bonnet, Tony, Noel's mate arrived with some spare key barrels of Noel's for Wade to look over for Big Red's right front door lock. The spare NOS barrel that Wade has is not the same as that which was drilled out yesterday after the MMPC run and lunch. Wade took one from Tony that looked a closer match and will talk it over with the locksmith as to it's suitability. And while lying under the '41 installing the right side mudguard to body bolts I received a call from Daniel at General Auto Instruments that the new OD cable was ready! Pheeew, I'd been sweating on that call especially after his tales of doom and gloom last week. Will pick up the cable either tomorrow, other commitments permitting, or Friday before heading for the workshop.

Things remaining to be done include:
Interior - Left and Right Kick panels. Install new Overdrive cable bracket and knob.
Engine - Install and connect thermostat housing to head. Cut radiator inlet hose and install in-line filter. Re-install battery and re-connect cables. Refill radiator.
Body - Re-install Inner Fender Panels. Fix and re-mount firewall grommet after Overdrive cable is re-installed.
Mechanical - Install new Overdrive cable to Overdrive unit.

To answer this question from another threadQuote:Dave,

Measured up Wade's SS muffler - It's exactly 4 foot in length and close enough to 5 inches in diameter. Wade had it made up here using the muffler on the '34 he imported from the US when his original '34 body was destroyed in a bushfire. The guy fabricating the muffler used the old one as a template duplicating the internal baffling and layout.

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