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Hey Troy. Did you find out if the thread on your rear diff rebuild can be switched to your blog or to the V8 sec. If its easier to copy and paste just let me know if you would like my entry transferred or not. No prob for me to copy and paste or leave it off if you like. I wanted to ask you since your gears are good and already run in will you be running synth for the added protection?

I sent a PM to Kev, I have seen him relocate them before when posted wrong.

I most likely will run a synth, although I haven't made my mind up yet.

I pulled the frame out today for its final coat of black paint, I have to say for me, it is looking good. With any luck, I hope to begin putting the rear suspension on next week.

While I was at it, I painted the water pump with Bronze paint that I have chose to use. Dont laugh but it looks good to me, and it matches the bronze on the Transmission except cleaner of course.

What I chose to do is I used Rustoleum Ultra High Heat Bronze rattle can (1200 deg)that I got from Menards for $5.00. It has a very nice metallic sheen and a nice gloss, I think it will be perfect for my project.

Rustoleum 241232

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Final Sandblasting of last bit of suspension parts tomorrow, then a trip down to Max's this week for a load of parts and the assembly of the rolling chassis before the snow fly's.

I have to run up to Michigan this week to pick up a complete 374, then I will have the car back to original equipment.

Lots of busy grunt work going on.

I am jealous, I like going to the Packard store! When I am around places like that, my wife knows how I feel when she goes to the mall.

It is a good feelings.
I am only 2 hours south of Max's myself. Went there once last summer to pick up a fuel tank. Will go again jsut for the fun of it at somepoint.

Interestingly, in 1970, after my fathers second tour of Vietnam he moved to recruiting. His first job was as a station commander in Franklin, Indiana. His recruiting station was only 3 or 4 blocks from where Max's is now.
We stayed in that area until 1979. I had not been back these in 30 years until I bought a Packard.

Sorry to hijack your blog TroyT.

Stew- Hi-Jack away,,,,,,I Love hearing everyone's story and how we all come to Packard.

My newest addition 56 374. I will get it cleaned up this weekend and see what the Vin # is, We are chugging along.

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New (old) Engine is a 5887-3033 out of a 400. I will pop the heads this weekend and do a quick mic on the bores. I have an opportunity on some .030 over pistons dirt cheap. If bores are good, I will pass and cut just the bare min.

The Gentleman I got it from is an 80 year old Packard man Named Rufus. Not a bad score for $400

I have to go pick up another engine stand and tomorrow, I have a date with the power washer, Wish me luck.

Wait a minute. Ask the former owner about the engines history. How many miles are on it etc.
Why pull the heads???? What for???? Easier to pull the pan if u really think u need "to check the bores". Here's the way to do it rite:

1. Get info from previous owner.
2. buy the pistons for dirt cheap just to have as spares even if u never use them.
3. don't disassemble much at all.
4. squirt some oil thru the spark plug holes.
5. Get engine fired up to see how it runs.
6. check compression.
If 1 thru 6 check out ok then your good to go.
And what's with this power washer anyway??? From the pics, it looks pretty clean to me. Maybe some paaint needed.

Based on info thus far there is absolutly no reason whatsoever to pull the heads.

Can u turn the engine over BY HAND at least 8 full revolutions???