Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

What is the correct way to remove the hood on a 1941 Packard 120 Club coupe? I need to remove the radiator.
Thank you, in advance, for any tips.
I am new to this.
Jim

I was able to remove the hood and, eventually, the radiator.
I can explain, if anyone needs to do this.

I removed the radiator. It was far more difficult, then I would have expected.
I am wondering, if I missed an obvious easier way, as I am surprised Packard would have made it this difficult.

Typically, the hood is removed, then the entire front clip is pulled as one assembly.

This is also how the car was assembled at the factory.

An engine picker works well to pickup that entire clip to lift it up and off the car. Leave the rearmost front nuts on hood support rods exactly in place.

With the front clip removed, then you can pull the radiator off of it.

If you do it this way then it eliminates a lot of the cursing later trying realign all the front sheetmetal.

Thank you.
I am new to this, and removing the front clip seems a major undertaking? Or, am I wrong?

When you mention removing the front clip, I assume this means removing the two front fenders and all parts forward?

When I removed the radiator this weekend, I removed the fan and spread the hood support rods to gain enough room to lift the radiator out. I am not the fastest at these tasks, and it required close to 8 hours in total.

I am not looking forward to trying to install the fan with the radiator in place, but I do not believe I can install the radiator with the fan in place. If this is incorrect, I would appreciate knowing.

Given the amount of time and effort, I am thinking to simply replace the water pump while I have things apart.

The water pump is not leaking, so it may be overkill on my part. But, I have no real history of the car.

The engine starts and runs smooth, but it overheats quickly (within 10-15 minutes at idle), and the radiator definitely needed attention.

I have replaced the thermostat previously, and it is functioning.

Is there anything else I should check ?

Thanks again..

Jim

You will find it easier to R&R the radiator by removing the water pump first. If it shows the slightest leakage replace it while you have it in hand.

You will be greatly helped in replacing the fan by getting a 1/4-28 bolt and cutting the head off to make a guide stud to align all of the pieces.

10 minutes to overheating is very quick even if the radiator was fully plugged. You'll want to check your timing, check for restricted exhaust, and quite possibly pull out the freeze plugs and flush out the block. While you have the water pump off, stick a camera down there and have a look inside the block passage.

Quote:

In simplest terms, it involves removing the bolts where the fenders they bolt to the cowl and runningboards, the front bumper, the brace from fender to frame behind the wheel well, and disconnected the headlight wiring, removing the inner fenders, and removing the front nuts of the support rods.

Then with an engine picker you can grab the top of the radiator cradle and lift up and pull the entire front clip forward off the car.

It does sound daunting, but is much quicker that trying to take everythibg apart individually, it doesn't disturb the fender to grille shell alignment, and it gives you a 100% access to the motor and radiator. Also, if your rehabbing the cooling system, in addition to the radiator, and waterpump, the water distribution tube should be pulled and checked. They can get plugged and also disintegrate. You can't remove that tube with the radiator and grille in place.

Thank you for the advice
I appreciate this information.
Best
Jim