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

I'm looking @ buying a 48 Packard ( don't know anything about them ) but it looks to be in very good shape - all original - and runs pretty well. The eng # is 389719327 and the cowl # is 2272 9428. Do these #'s idicate the model name ( there seem to be alot of combos in the naming system ) ? I'm a little concerned about the way the car hovers up front when driving. But the front shocks look to be at the top of the springs. Are these rebuildable / replaceable ? and how big of a job is that ? Any other suggestion as to what to look for in the way of potential problems would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks , BigT

Attach file:

---

  (57.91 KB)

It's a Super Eight Touring Sedan. Go to the Packard model info section and enter 2272 in the model box. That will take you to all the info on that car. Yes the knee action shock absorbers are re-buildable but not by the general do-it-yourselfer. I just had mine done and it was expensive. I really like the bathtub Packards, they represent a short, stylistically unique era.

Thankx J.D. , and did the rebuild improve the handling / ride of your vehicle ? Thanks again , BigT

Yes it is a Super Eight. It has a 327ci. engine. The shocks on these cars were routinely ignored. They use hydraulic fluid. Yours may simply be low on fluid. I have a 47 Custom that needed fluid. I filled the shocks and it drives great. Once you get the shocks working correctly, I'm sure you will love the ride.

Yes the rebuild improved the ride of the car. I couldn't keep fluid in the shocks because they leaked profusely. I used Apple Hydraulics for the re-build and was very satisfied with the end result. Removing the shocks can be a real challenge since they are an integral part of the suspension linkage.

Quote:

BigT,

Welcome aboard the Packardinfo Site. When, hopefully, you end up buying the '48 Super Eight could you please put it in the Owner Registry together with a pic, and history if known?

Again

I'd be proud to join such a group. Thanks again , BigT

I hope you bought that Packard. The bathtubs are my favorite. My uncle had one, my dad had several, and now I have one that I'm rebuilding with my boys. Good luck with it.