Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi Gang,

Just got off the phone with my mechanic who called to give me a "heads up". The story is that all they have left to do is bleeding the brakes and a final road test.

If all that goes well, I should get her back late this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I hope I haven't jinxed this by talking about it!

I find I'm so excited I can hardly be still. After 56 years of wanting a '55-56 and never riding in one (except mine up the alley and back at about 4 mph) I'll finally get to find out what the RIDE is all about. I've got a homeward route all scouted out with rail road tracks and such.

I can't hardly wait!

Congratulations Jim! Enjoy your first ride. If you have a bride, take her along. If she shares the fun she will be a big help. And post some pics.

And you've got good weather for it too. It's suppose to be nice all week here in Portland.

Congratulations! Take here down the Terwilliger Curves at 75! I bet she'll take the curves like a champ.

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Congratulations -- yes
Enjoy the ride -- yes
post some pics -- yes

As to the other on a first ride in an unknown car ?????

If she's adventurous -- yes. If not, then I would wonder what dastardly thing you could do that would upset a nice lady more than stranding her in an old car on the side of the road.

At least be prepared. Tell your dog he may have to share his house -- or put a few pillows and a blanket in the garage before you leave.

Howard, my bride was always glad when I included her and that included dragging her to train meets. Guess I wuz just lucky?

I haven't been fortunate enough to find anyone that liked to look at or be around old cars for more than one circle around before wanting to be elsewhere.

Since I don't like to walk or sit on the side of the road anymore either, was probably projecting my thoughts a bit as well.

Thanks Randy, Howard and Portlandon for the encouragement AND sage advise. Randy, you are indeed lucky - my car fetish is good naturedly tolerated. So I think I'll make sure that everything is up for the games before I risk a domestic chill.

Of course, It wouldn't hold true to my life if a little snag didn't develope. Not with the Packard, but a call from the job I supposedly retired from saying they could really use my help tomorrow and maybe Saturday. Since the unexpected coins will all go to feeding my "habit" I said I would. Besides, they are really great people.

My Mechanic said that if I was free Saturday, he'd meet me at his shop and I could get the car then. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Besides, my Patrician could really use some fresh tires before I take up Portlandon's "75mph Terwilliger Curves Challenge". For those who have never driven that piece of engineering disaster, it is a section of late '50s freeway construction that has a set of curves that "tighten" as you drive through them PLUS are reverse banked - that's right, the bank tilts the wrong way. Not as bad as it did when it was new, but still a nasty surprise for the unwary.

Anyway maybe Saturday but Monday at the latest. "All good things to those who wait".

I want to especially thank Portlandon for turning me on to this car in my early days of membership. All this frustration wouldn't have been possible without you!

What are friends for??

true, very true.
Just heard ffrom my mechanic. No power assist on newly rebuilt BTV. Used Max Merit Kit. He will be posting soon.

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Sorry if the above seemed a little abrupt, but it was my third attempt to post a message on my new cell phone; the manual to which I have yet to download. Plus I was at work.

Anyway, the problem with the vacuum assist turned out to be that the rubber hose inside the booster had come loose. Once it was (securely) reattached, the brakes worked as per design!

So, Sleeping Beauty has Risen!

And, if the woman who was out sick today is well enough to come to work tomorrow, My mechanic is meeting me at high noon so I may have my '55 at last.

Film, at 11:00 - tomorrow - (hopefully)!