Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

On the Watts Linkage on the rear end of the car, the pin that holds arms in place on the center bracket has come loose (see photo). Reading several posts on Packardinfo.com #1 and #2, it seems like I should be able to jack the rear of the car up and while lying on my back be able to:

1. Disconnect the both linkage arms from both ends
2. Remove the bracket on the center of the car which is bolted to the frame
3. Alter a steel bolt and nut such that the head and nut are thinner replacing the pin which has come loose.

At which point it should be able to use the modified bolt/nut reinstall the center bracket with the linkage installed on the bracket. Connect the arms to the studs on the axel.

Now the question of the day is where have I gone wrong and how hard will it be to accomplish the above?

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It is easier to remove and replace the watts linkage with the axle not hanging so jack the car up and put jack stands under the axle. Unbolt the thing. See if you can jockey the parts back together. You do not want to replace the pin with a bolt as it has shoulders to maintain suitable spacing. You can drill and tap it to take a button head bolt or do as I do: Squeeze the two plates together til they are seated on the shoulder. Make two little tack welds on the edge of the pin and douse the thing with water before the rubber has a chance to cook.

I removed the Watts Linkage hardware today. The hardware in the center bracket is different than what Ross had portrayed (See photo). So I’m guessing that when the car was restored in it’s past they made the changes. The holes in the two side pieces are ½” and the two separators are just over ½” in diameter, with a 3/8” hole in the middle and 1.18” long. A 3/8” bolt whose head was modified and a thin nut was used the hold the hardware together.

I’ll make separators out of 5/8” stock with shoulders to maintain the distance (Is 1.2” correct?) and use button bolts to hold it together as I don’t have a welder.

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I made the two spacers (see photo) for dimensions and used 5/16 X 24 button bolts. Since the holes in the arms were 1/2" I needed to use a washer. Because of the washer, most of the bolts head needed to be ground off.

If I were to tackle this problem on another car or suggest a bolt situation to someone, my approach would be the use a SS 1/4" X 28 bolt, a thin washer and grind the head down to the point where there was enough clearance.

BTW I used red locktite on the threads and with the TL Issue (Another post on this site) fixed we drove the car to a local show yesterday afternoon/evening.

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