Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have a friend here in Montana who just purchased a fairly nice 54 Patrician with the model number of 5452-3664. He is trying to find out roughly when his car was made and/or how many Patricians were made in 54. Anyone out there able to help him. He isn't very computer davy, so I'm acting as his go-between. I'll get some photos of the car and get them posted.

Also, the Ultramatic won't shift into low or reverse. Any quick suggestions? I'm trying to help him find a good transmission mechanic in this part of the world.

Lovely car, those 1954 Patricians! According to the Dawes book and other sources, 2760 Patricians built in 1954. His would be the 1664th one built.

Thanks Owen. The conversations on the Ultramatic conversions are interesting. My friend was considering a 727 conversion, but maybe the Chevy one would work better. I would love to hear any experiences from someone who has done it - especially the cost and difficulty.

Downside to the Chevy trans with Bendtsens conversiontransmissionadapters.com/Packard%20to%20Chev%20adapter%20kit.htm is the way the bellhousing adapter and ring gear is done. The starter motor changes to a modern small hi torque unit. Your friend might ask but I believe those starters are 12v and might be an issue if he wants to keep the rest of the car original. Don't recall anyone else making a Chevy conversion for an inline 8.

I believe there was at least one install with the Bendtsen or maybe he was thinking about it but haven't seen that poster on the forum for quite some time.

IMO far less reason to change from an Ultramatic in a 54 and prior Packard. Behind the in-line 8 they have very good longevity, certainly better than some of their peers.

Dear David:

I've seen Ultramatics do that sort of thing due to cruddy fluid causing valves to stick.

Also make sure the linkage isn't out of wack.

David,

Although your friend isn't "very computer savvy", what is the chance of having him include his '54 Patrician in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo? We can always use another member and another Packard in the Registry!