Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

This one is in need of some serious restoration. And that's what I am planning to do. Not to make it as authentic as possible but just to get a nice ride whit some custom mods.
Probably not the easiest task in Belgium. We have got some serious speedbumbs over here so I will be using bags instead of cutting the coils. Any suggestions?

Attach file:

---

  (65.65 KB)


  (59.38 KB)


  (67.99 KB)


  (61.93 KB)

G'day Raf,
to PackardInfo. Don't have any experience with this "...using bags instead of cutting the coils..." maybe others can comment? However I will be following along as you proceed with your project.

And I invite you to include your '51 Packard in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Don't recall anyone posting mentioning any attempt at airbags but with all the lowrider and truck suspension accessory places, seems like there should be a heavy duty kit for a large car or pickup truck already made that can be adapted to the Packard.

Packard did make many of their own components but since it isn't a Ford or Chevy doubt a direct bolt in kit will happen. Nothing special about the setup that multiple other cars in that era didn't do so an extra hole or brace on another mfgs kit should be possible.

Might check out a few of the knowledge bases or suspension sites for some hints or ideas. Here is one example.airbagit.com/Default.asp

Well, I must admit that I was not ussing the right words. Bags are probably not the best way to lower the car, but the height of the car has to be fully adjustable. Sorry for my bad englisch, Many words and terms I have learned come from sites like this, but I don't always know to use them in the right context.

Rear airshocks might be the option if you just want to raise the rear and keep the present suspension. If that is what you have in mind, then perhaps comparing a current regular shock replacement number could determine if an airshock is available close in size to the original which might work. An air fill kit of some kind would also be needed to enable adjustment from inside the car.

For fully adjustable front and rear, you might check out some of the lowrider sites to see if you get some ideas. Here is a place describing both air and hydraulic approaches.coolcars.org/

Usually when they "bag the rear", then leaf spring assemble is removed and a trailing arm setup is installed/fabricated like you would see on a more modern truck.

Didn't the guy out in Hollywood bag his 51-54?

See page 6 of koolkojak's Project Blog for some bag pic's.

Looking at Kool's pics, I figured the floor would have to be cut to provide pumpkin clearance. There was a service letter about the pumpkin hitting the floorpan on some of the 51-54 cars while going over big bumps.