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Does anybody rebuild the vacuum cylinders like I have in my 1940 160? I really don't want to convert to electric - would like to keep the original system. Can the original cylinders be "awakened" with a shot of oil or other lubricant/gasket expander, like vacuum windshield wiper motors?

I don't remember seeing any ads for any rebuild services on the vacuum cylinders but there was a fellow on the PAC forum in the same situation. He had taken his apart and found the leathers on the piston seal worn and was looking to find new pieces. Possibly if he is still watching the forum a private message might reach him and have an a answer if he found any or had to make them. If no answer, they look fairly simple and perhaps it is something that you could make.packardclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5699&p=25630&hilit=convertible+top+cylinder#p25628

I believe new hydraulic top cylinders are available from Hydro-E-Lectric but no idea if they could do anything with the vacuum cylinders. Of all the Packard vendors I can think of Tucson Packards is the most likely to take on something like that. I know they rebuild a lot of smaller items.

I made a new piston seal for a vacuum antenna using modern materials and a slightly different design than the original. While the top cylinder is much bigger, if nothing else is available perhaps the same design could be done but on a larger scale.

Brad; I rebuilt the cylinders on my 42, they are not that hard to do. My shafts were rusted badly and it was necessary to have new ones machined, my machinist said they were simple to made. I sanded the in side of the chambers with 220 and worked my way to 600, then cleaned up the round plates and replaced the leather. I used neatsfoot oil on the leather. Also replaced the rubber on the lines-don't use clamps, just get the correct size tubbing. You will need to take the shaft and can top to a shop that can supply new seals. When I tested the system with no top material on the frame it went so fast it scared me. Dell