Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

Recored radiator.

Attach file:

---

  (41.43 KB)

Fourth wheel finally redone. I only have one to go! At least the car is now riding on four 225/75/15 radials.

Attach file:

---

  (28.94 KB)

I'm driving around much more now that the cooling system is doing its job. As I porpoised down the road I started to consider having the front shocks rebuilt. Apple Hydraulics is asking $215 per shock. Shocking! Soooo... I needed to investigate a little more. Do it myself? Maybe. Google "how to rebuild lever shocks" and I find a link to a forum "olskoolrodz.com" that has a post, "Rebuild your lever shocks for 79 cents." Well, turns out this poster, Reverend Rust, relates a story of how he discovered how to repair his. Add oil.

His conclusion:
KNEE ACTION SHOCK ABSORBERS WORK BETTER WITH FLUID THAN WITHOUT FLUID.

I found a dusty quart of hydraulic jack oil, and with the aid of a tiny plastic funnel and a 7/16" socket, proceeded to apply his fix.

At first, the left shock didn't seem to want much oil, but as I bounced the fender up and down, the bubbles began to appear. It was easy to rock the whole car violently, as it took on a sort of diagonal dancing motion- that was, until the fresh transfusion of oil began to take affect. I kept filling the funnel, and after some serious rockin' and oilin' it got progressively more difficult to budge. Starting to wear myself out, I screwed the filler plug back in place and switched the hood to the other side. Soon, I was worn out, and the car was decidedly stiffer in the front. Time for a test drive.

Wow. What a difference. Just saved $430.

Attach file:

---

  (21.12 KB)

Quote:

Joey, if agreeable or not depends on the degree of tightness. Time will show.

Test drive was night and day. New rears from NAPA should increase improvement. Under $60 for all makes for a pretty good cost:benefit ratio.

Hopefully the seals and bushings are still in good shape but in a few days if you find a nice puddle of oil either on the floor or on the cross channel under the radiator then at least one needs attention. There is also an excellent article on how to rebuild the same shocks as on your car on site. Look on the literature page in the how to and tech tips column.

The seals are still holding up after my last post. A little leakage on one shock, but no puddle on the floor. They don't look pretty, but the car sure rides nice.

My Rosina and the Packard.

Attach file:

---

  (131.98 KB)

Joeyearl I am pleased that someone benefited from that old post. I'm not sure if I am happier because you saved a lot of money or because your Packard now rides like a Packard lol. Maybe a little of both. I used to post on that board under the name Reverend Rust.

I and others have posted the same advice on various boards including this one.

You may want to check the shocks at your next oil change. Top them up,if some more air bubbles have worked their way out. And look for leaks. If the shafts are leaking it helps to clean away the dirt and grease, and wrap string around and around the shaft as tight as possible. This will not replace the seals but will slow down the leaks.

Thanks, Rusty! Sounds like good advice.