Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

New to this board and new Clipper owner. 288 and 3 speed manual. I would like to install overdrive. Is that possible? If so, would it be better to seek parts car for this purpose. I want a driver that I can trust. Currently gets warm at 60 mph. At idle car is at 165 degrees or so. Seems to idle well and doesn't smoke. Compression check next. Need direction and suggestions on this sweet ride. Love to drive but clutch is engaged just before full pedal release. I can wrench a bit but haven't ever had a car like this one!

Pic below. Thanks y'all

Steve

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Yes you can install overdrive. As you will need the trans, driveshaft, electrical controls and engagement cable it may be best to get a parts car.

It sounds like you need a new clutch.

"It gets warm at 60 mph" It's supposed to, explain what you consider warm is.

G'day Tall Steve,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '53 Clipper in the Packard Owner's Registry.

I've also cropped, rotated and reposted your photo because, whether you're in the Southern or Northern hemisphere, it's difficult to look at it the way it is!

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Those are great cars ,easy to live with, and comfortable to drive. My very similar 51 with overdrive took me on a very fast 200 mile errand in the rain last weekend.

It is not difficult to install overdrive since you already have straight stick. I can supply you with a complete setup with all the factory correct bits and pieces. PM me if interested. You can do your clutch at the same time with hardly any extra labor.

Yes, how warm is warm? Check your initial timing (7 degrees) and that the vacuum advance is working. Those flatheads loose a lot of power and make a lot more heat if they are even a little retarded.

Thanks for your reply. I just bought one of those laser heat guns, so I only know what it is at idle. I will try to take it out this weekend and determine temp that concerns me.

The car is in my shop located about 90 miles from where I stay during the week. Adding OD is at the top of my list after replacing a leaky gas tank, gas line and rebuilding the carb.

Thanks again

Steve

I always get looks when I drive the Packard from others on the road. Very fun to drive. Yes I will PM you about setup for OD! Very interested. Appreciate your support on the clutch change! I have a couple of Corvettes that I have restored or repaired through the years. First Packard!

Thanks. That picture is when I drove to Atlanta to pick it up. I was very excited to say the least. Good thing I trailered it back too. The radiator sprung a leak several weeks after getting back to TN. Would not have liked having that problem on the road.

I will join the registry too. Thanks for asking me to do so.

Thanks again

Steve

All temp gauge's can read a bit differently, but my car points between the M and the P in the word "T E M P" on the gauge when fully warmed up and doesn't really move off of that. It actually goes down a bit at higher speeds because.
My '54s running an Ultramatic what doesn't lock up, so, at higher speeds, the motor is for sure getting a workout. Also, not sure if it makes any difference to operating temp, but I am running a 288 head on a 327 block.

Now, when I was back in Calif, and it was a really hot day (100+) and I was cruising around and hitting stop light after stop light, it would point at the "P" in the word temp. But, it never pointed at the "HOT".

Now, Adam, who has the exact same model as I do, his gauge points between the T & E. So, now sure if his motor is running that much cooler, or the gauge and senders between our two cars are just our of calibration.

If you are not puking coolant, then you should be ok. I've got a 7psi cap on mine, and the only time it has overflowed coolant is when I have overfilled the radiator and haven't given it any expansion room.

I am using the same radiator that came with my car, as when I found the car, it was still full of green coolant and no rust. I did backflush it and the engine and clear the water distro tube, but other than that no repair as done to it. My water pump was replaced with a Kanter rebuild as the one on the car was leaking around the bushings.

Note to Mal...You are a 'Cool Dude' in my book because you do cool things like crop and rotate photographs for members. I believe that everyone appreciates the special little things that you do. Ernie

Mal has been an invaluable help to me here on the website!

Also Howard, the Dave(s), Hank and others that pitch in here on the Forum to help folks with questions.

Remember folks, it takes a village, and we were all new at one point!