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It's time to rebuild my transmission. I started getting some noise in 2nd gear. The shop says output bearing, possibly input bearing, but I'm inclined to renew whatever else wears in there.

Of course I will shop the usual suspects, but Is there a supplier who specializes in transmission kits for 40 Super 8s?

Thanks for recommendation,
Joe

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I do not believe there is a "kit" for overhauling - much more in the what is worn should be replaced scenario. There are certain parts, such as synchro's that will likely be replaced, along with the bearings and seals. I can supply many, if not most, of the items you may need, such as NOS synchos which differ from the replacement synchro's offered by one of the major vendors. (I note this due to a second hand report that they did not work well. Second hand report.)
There is a detail of the suggested improvement to the collar at the front of the mainshaft on the site here somewhere, I believe in Jim's 39Super8 archives. Beyond that, it would be a benefit to this community if you might consider separating this effort into a topic such as "Rebulding an R-9 overdrive"

In answer to a PM from trimacar regarding the rear window of a 40 conv sedan, here are some photos of mine.

My pattern came from EZ-On Tops. AS you can see the rear window is very wide. I don't think this is wrong, but perhaps putting a curved zipper on it is. I don't take the window down.

I think (trying to remember 60 years ago) the rear window on the original top had 2 vertical zippers and fasteners like the ones top left on the Restoration Specialties catalog page. I bought some of the push and twist for the top cover, so don't get confused. I think the correct ones are the push thru with a spring inside that catches the poker. Maybe 6 across the top of the rear window.

The zippers were super heavy military zippers.

You can see the progress on the upholstery on this project blog starting at the bottom of page 17.

Joe

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Thanks! Now I'm more confused, of course...the car I'm working on has no pattern whatsoever, yours has zippers sides and top,, although you state it had snaps at top originally...and the one Steve has that's being discussed now on forums has zippers on side, a bar across top held up with straps....guess I need to ask owner how he wants to proceed...if anyone else has input on back window design for a 1940 160 convertible sedan, would be appreciated..thanks again David Coco Winchester Va.

I answered David in detail in a PM, but basically my top came from EZ-On in 2010. Randy is the man. They have original patterns. Mine was cut from their 4-door pattern but unfinished, to be detailed at my upholsterer's by hand. The original pattern may answer the question.

Also I wonder if the Packard blueprints include top patterns, if anyone knows.
Joe

EZ-On makes really fine tops; after shopping around and looking at others I finally bought my 56 Carib top from EZ-On thru Bill Hirsch. An excellent product though of course without the colored inner liner as the originals had. Fit was absolutely perfect and they cheerfully supplied additional material to make the boot. I had the boot bag made from a photo of the original that came in the Jean Peters/Howard Hughes Caribbean.

UNDER THE RUNNINGBOARD ANTENNA

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T-bolt that secures radio box to firewall.

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There was a story published this week about the Duchess on eBay Motors:
ebay.com/motors/blog/in-use-as-daily-dri ... 40-packard-160-super-8-convertible/

I really don't drive it daily, but for sure every Friday to work.

Joe

Does the condition, other than the tip, of a distributor rotor matter?

It was time for a tune-up, so I ordered a tune-up kit from a very reputable vendor I 'can't' identify cuz I'm nice..

In the kit was a rotor. Sealed in a clear plastic bag. I don't know how bright, shiny and rust free one has to be, but this one wasn't.

The tip of my used one, though the rest was pretty shiny, is cooked. It's rough. The new one that came in the kit is smooth on the tip but with a patina i gently brushed with 600 fine steel wool. The rest of it doesn't look new at all.

In the vertical pic the 'new' one is at the top. The old shiny one below it.

In the horizontal pic, my old one is on the left with the corroded tip. The new on is on the right.

Tomorrow morning I want to start the car and set the timing with my new laser timing light.

What would you say. The rust doesn't matter. It's the tip that counts? Or ask the vendor to replace it?

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