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On the tailpipe issue, I've contacted at least twenty shops, both automotive and commercial, and none was able to make the pipe from the blueprint. Those doing mandrel bending said it needed to be done using roller benders and those with roller benders could make pipes with .2 thick or thicker walls when the blueprint specifies .05 which is already thinner than most currently made pipes which are .065.

So it occurred to me that since the blueprint has been the main issue as far as having it made by exhaust specialists, I would try another tactic and make a full size printout and simply take it to a local muffler shop to see what they could do! I've not yet tried it but once I convert the blueprint to a format that will print that large (10.5') I'll give it a try.

For those who care about such things, here is the 1951-1954 Henney gas tank compared to that of what I believe to be a 22nd or 23rd series tank. Can anyone identify it more specifically than that or is it even from a passenger car or a Henney of the same vintage? It is identical to that from my 1951 other than having a longer filler and vent.

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After posting the above I noticed that the senders have a different appearance but I don't know if that leans that they function differently of if they are simply from different manufacturers. Does anyone know?

The one with the wire attached is from the Henney and the bolt pattern appears to be the same.

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In an effort to clean up a bit and not have unnecessary things sitting around (yes, I'm dreaming!), I decided to take off the old rusty and unusable brake drum and replace it with the new one that arrived just as I was closing up shop in March when I was last there. Even though I had put on the rusty one only hand tight not too long ago, I had to resort to the puller to get it off again! It took only couple light taps, though, and it was off.

Looking back at photos from a couple months ago I see that I have to replace the backing plate on this side too which I had forgotten about. The one on the rear end is also rusty to match the drum and I have a good one already.

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On the shoulder at the end of the axle's taper is a ring or seal of some sort which was made to key into the shaft's key slot. What are these made of and are they available anywhere? In fact, what is the purpose of it in the first place?

EDIT: I just had a look and do not even see this part in the parts book even though it has been on every one of my Henneys.

Group 12.0341 I believe is what you are asking about.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/partslist4854/48-54_Group_12.pdf

If I remember correctly, it was a tight weave/ heavy felt.
I could be wrong.

That appears to be it! Since it fits only 1951-1954 Henney, I guess I'll have to make (or have made) some myself. The one on the side shown above was very, very brittle and appeared to have the keyway tang in 3D - that is, it appeared to be a block off of the surface rather than flat so perhaps it was made long, then tucked down into the keyway where it hardened. Odd this is not shown on the axle view which shows all other gaskets and seals!

I made a pair for my 47 out of 1/4 sheet felt and a couple of gasket punches. I am not sure what the purpose is either but Packard did provide a sort of recess where they fit into so I decided to humor them and make new. Placing them in the recess and tightening the nut and washer compressed the felt and forced excess up into the end of the slot filling it nicely

All I can surmise is they are there to keep dust or water from getting into the key slot or taper surface and maybe catch any thing that manages to slide down past the key.

Howard, that sounds like the probably explanation! I'm not keen on making things, though, when I can help to support future owners by having them made and a pattern saved. Also, my time at my shop is always limited to a couple weeks at a time every few months so having to stop to make something means I'm not getting anything else done.

Take note of group 12.0341 Seal - Shaft Nut Oil . . . 22 -54 series, several part number to accommodate several axle thread diameters. Is that the one? I noticed that there is no listing for my '48 chassis 2211, but there is a listing for my '54 chassis 5402. Is this a 'senior' thing ???

Now for a technical interlude. What force would push grease down a decreasing radius bore, surely not while rotating? That leaves the possibility of dripping down the keyway at rest, and then past the washer interface once the car is underway again. Not sure the part is necessary, but if it is supposed to be there so be it.

Tongue in cheek . . . from the parts listing one would conclude junior cars don't leak ??? My '48 must be the exception to the rule!

dp