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I am a docent at America's Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio. We have many precision tools Packard mechanics use and factory personnel to build or repair these automobiles. Several people have asked me what these tools are used for, and I would like to ask the members if they can identify the tool and its use.

The outer ring shown on the top has calibration markings around its total circumference, and the bored hole is precision honed. Given its size, I thought it might have something to do with the axle. Also, it's in a protective wooden box, so it is probably not thrown around the mechanic's workstation at the dealership.

Can anyone help uncover what this was really used for?

Dave Siewe

Every tool has a tool number stamped on it. Please include the number as some of the tools look alike.

It appears to be Ultramatic tool PU-302.

That is a precision gauge used when rebuilding an original type 49-54 Ultramatic to determine the thickness of a thrust washer needed to control end play. It apparently enables the combined distance in the unbolted together parts of the case to be accurately accounted for when case was apart. There looks to have been a design change in the later Twin Ultramatics so this tool or maybe the way the measurement was taken differed and the tool was no longer used.




If the museum has an ORIGINAL 51-54 service manual with actual first generation photos you could use that to make a decent copy explanation card to display with the tool.

That might be one of the ones I have in my basement.

Yes the twin ultra has different instructions. You simply use a dial indicator on the end of the input shaft.

Dave if you have a bunch of these feel free to send me an email. I have nearly a full set of these tools, I can ID them well if you send the stamped number and a photo.

Christmas may be over, but it's never too late for a -> surprise. And -> there is another one. -> This is also interesting.