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Mike, your on the money!!

Can some one post a picture of how the 55/56 cars looked out the factory with a manual transmission, I would like to see how Packard did the shifter and the box around it.
Thanks, Ronnie

Shifter was a 3 on da tree.

Oh really, thank you Sir.

Put some work in this weekend on the rear passenger side quarter panel. I like took some of that red rust off by using a cleaner called comet with a rough rag and a kitchen scrub. It worked nicely, I was able to bring out the white paint under it. Little by little.
Ronnie.

Before and after with one hour scrubbing with comet

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Ronnie,

Is one of these the Comet Cleaner referred to?

Lol yes Mal. I used the can in powder form.

Hey fellas, got a couple questions about the 55 Constellation. Well this one's kind if embarrassing but here it goes. When I first bought it and took it home me, the old owner and the tow guy could not get the cars rear wheels loose like if it was in park. But I remember putting in P N 'D' R and the rear wheels where still stuck. I Remember reading in the manual that I was to toggle the emergency park release to the left or something but I tried that once and still nothing. If you can please give me tips on how to break the rear wheels loose so I can move this mug. Thanks.

The second question. Is very basic. But what would you do to an engine (like mine/ 352) that has been sitting for years to get it start running again. What steps would you take to try to get it fired up. Because I would like to know it's condition and compression.
Thanks
Ronnie.

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OK, if you have the selector in anything other than P, the trans will not be holding it. Rotate the the handbrake handle slightly left and it should slide back close to the dash. If you are still locked up, then the rear brake shoes have likely rusted to the drums. If you get a brake adjusting tool, slip it into the adjusting slot at the bottom of the backing plates and then push down on the end of it, that will adjust the shoes away from the drum and they might break loose. Otherwise violence will be necessary.

Looking at your engine compartment, its a bit depressing to see how much stuff is missing. Better plan on finding a parts car you can pick from or you will drive your self nuts looking for every little piece of linkage and doodad.

Its looks hopeful since someone has been painting on the engine--it must have been at least OK or they would not have bothered. I would pull all the plugs and get a gallon can of PB Blaster and fill the cylinders to the top. Put a 1" socket on the front of the engine and try to move it. We will be waiting for your report.