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All finished.

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Awesome!

It almost looks like it's smiling!

Awesome! I can't wait to see it in person.

Craig

Greetings Sir I have watched your "project" as it has developed. My Hat is off to you and the time and effort and $$$ put into the Packard. My neighbor bought a 46 Ford and did just as you. He was unable to use his garage for the last 6 years. He had only finished it for 6 months and got so bored, he sold it to another neighbor and found another car to start. Great Job.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but these projects a never totally finished

Phil, so true. After driving it nearly a 1,000 miles, little things have popped up that need to be addressed.

1) Viscous oil leak near rear tire that appeared after a lot of freeway driving. More than likely one of the newer inner wheel bearing seals has failed for some reason and diff oil is washing the axle bearing. Perhaps the axle is a bit rough in that area or the spring has popped off, so I need to pull that and address it soon before it washes that bearing completely.

2) My Ultramatic shift indicator is all over the place and sometimes I have to shift it a couple of times from low to reverse to get it in the reverse indent. Ross thinks the problem is with a loose shift lever inside the tranny, so that pan will have to come off to address that. (A GearStart issue that Ross has seen a few times recently). I also need to check what may be a loose indicator linkage in the column. Two separate, but related issues.

On top of that I still need to get that A/C unit installed and my remote master cylinder reservoir installed.

So you are correct, restorations are never done....they just hit plateaus between repairs.

Am sure you've checked but if not, a reminder to make sure the rear axle vent hole is open. Think yours is in the bolt that holds the brass brake block onto the housing. Could see oil being forced out after a nice freeway drive if that is plugged

Howard, I did media blast that bolt and hardware when I did the brakes, but will i wil recheck to make sure the vent is clear when I get up under the car. I do remember that one of the rear backing plates had significant grease build up from a leaking seal when I initially tore the rear brakes down. I did replace the seals, so perhaps that axle had a rough spot or something that is eating seals. I will check it all out. Luckily if needed, i have a set of spare axles.

Congratulations on such a great outcome from your hard work. That pic has me convinced that my '54 really needs to return to Bikini Blue again some day.

Good luck as you continue your shakedown cruises. Thanks for keeping us updated on the process.