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Howard,

Using the table above, for a 225x75x15 tyre with a diameter of 28.1" and a 4.36:1 differential ratio, my calculations(?) give a tick over 19mph for an engine speed of 1000rpm. 4.36:1 was a fairly common Packard diff ratio for that era, so would be different if your ratio is different. The diff ratio is usually stamped into the front outside face of the cast iron pumpkin, in about the 8 o'clock position if you want to crawl under and check it! But, based on the above, your 50mph equates to an engine speed of about 2600rpm. If all that checks out I'd think 55mph(about 2850rpm) would be about the limit of a reasonable cruising speed for your Packard. I'm a little luckier in that my '41 120 has overdrive and that allows me to cruise at an indicated 70mph because it drops engine speed by 28%. Also suggest you check your actual mph using a GPS. Doing the GPS check found my speedo actually reads almost 10% fast!

Mal, 70 mph in these cars scare me!

BDC,

Here the upper limit on motorways and freeways is 110kmh(68mph) and is pretty strictly enforced. So at an indicated 70mph or about an actual 63mph, allowing for the speedo error, it's really only about 101kph. Feeling better now?
Plus driving to the conditions/traffic/etc is always a factor when behind the wheel. And that's coming from an old Hot Rodder with an itchy lead foot!

Well my number plates arrived today, over here in the UK so long as your vehicle is pre 1950 you can fit black plates and white letters or silver letters. Still waiting for my front parking light lenses to turn up.

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Hello does any body know where i can get the rubber wiper blade refills for my packard. They are 11" lond and takes a narrow gauge rubber, i bought some modern rubbers but they are to wide.

Thanks

Howard

Sorry, no help for you closer to your home.

If your current wiper blades are the type that were designed to take refills, then they are not the original blades. You might be able to get correct style OEM blades with new rubber fitted from the former Trico facility now operating as Ficken Wiper Service (www.wiperman.com).

Also though I only have a postal address, there is a vendor here in New Jersey who specializes in just windshield wiper blades. Bob Crane, 309 Stoughton Avenue, Cranford NJ 07016.

If O_Ds suggestion cannot help because of distance, I bought my wiper blades from Max Merritt. Definitely not cheap and no idea of his source. They fit the arm, look correct and the rubber appears to be fresh. The original blades are very flimsy compared to modern items but if you want period correct maybe the best option.

There is an aftermarket blade from Trico sold as the Trico Classic. It may be available in the UK and is a modern blade that looks old. It either comes with various small interchangeable pieces or has different slot configurations that supposedly can be adjusted to make the blades work with an assortment of old arms. I have not tried them to verify they work as advertised but perhaps someone else has. If they will attach securely they would be a less expensive option although much different in profile than the originals.

Here are some pics of my blade and arm perhaps someone can tell me if they are correct, the arm has a small hook on it.
Thanks Howard

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This is the arm I have on the 47 and also Max's blade. You blade mounting section looks different like it might be one of the universal fit types. Arms were the same on all the Clippers thru 47 but blades changed from a 10" in 41-2 to 11 inch postwar.

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The large and impressive Packard facility on Great West Road in London later became the Trico depot. I visited it in the 70's and purchased some older Trico items and several sets of Marchal headlights for my Facel Vegas. Trico was the agent for Marchal in England.

Small world?