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I don't think that the scuffing on the pilot will cause any problem as long as it is mostly smooth and round.

The scuffing is not that bad, but it is not a good sign. That bearing surface must also be surface hardened, so it cant just be welded and then turned back down in a lathe....not in a rush, so maybe I'll find a good used one someplace since everybody wants to replace their non-od trans with an od trans....

It might be possible to machine it down and sleeve it. The sleeve could be made out of a bearing race if the right diameter can be found.

Today we used the Packard for giving rides to kids and grownups in exchange for donations that will be forwarded to do good in the Ukraine. We also sold Coffee and cake, which was a Hit in our town. It was fun to have the Packard full of kids!

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Great stuff. I'll bet the kids loved the rides.

-Kevin

Well, Madelyn came home for a checkup and some TLC. I'll take her to TÜV for her inspection soon. Checked fluids, adjusted the brakes, fixed a bad ground on a turn signal, and am giving everything a look over. When I picked up the car from my brother in law, the battery was low, and I push started the car. Started right up, but on the way home I could see the generator was only putting out about 11-12 volts. When I got home I put my meter on the battery, and was somethign like 11 at idle, and went up to about 12 when I brought up the engine speed, but it was not 14 volts like it should be...I have the battery on a charger overnight, and will check tomorrow if the voltage comes back up with a charged battery. Not sure if the clover electric regulator went bad, or if the generator is weak...I checked all the wires between the gen and reg, and they are fine.... I tell you, the clipper is a lot lighter and nimbler than the caribbean to drive!

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Mike (Tobs), hard to believe that this wonderful snapshot was taken in Germany.

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Because of? Steering forces, brakes, vehicle weight?

Hi Gerd,
The main differences are the 600 pounds extra the caribbean weighs, and the power brakes and power steering on the caribben.
I think the freshly rebuilt 327 in a 600 pound lighter car is more responsive than an older 359 in the heavier car.
The easamatic brakes are a completely differnt feeling than the standard brakes. The brake pedal ratio and pedal travel are totally different. (Easamic has very little pedal travel, and std brakes have a much longer pedal travel)
The power steering also makes a difference. In short, the clipper accelerates better than the carib, but needs more driver strength to turn and slow. Both are awesome to drive

The convertible typically have a heavier duty frame to counter the lack of roof.

Tobs, with both cars having the same wheelbase do you find having the extra length of the Caribbean located behind the rear wheels makes a driving difference? Specs say something around a 10 inch difference in length between the models but they are not entirely clear if that is only the sedan tail end being welded on or if it also includes the continental kit. Either way I would think a lot of extra weight and length concentrated in the rear and the heavier springs to support it would make quite a difference in handling.