Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Thank you all for all of the great information about the exhaust system I'm vary aware that the exhaust system needs to be vary quiet as I've heard of packards literally sneaking up on people wity how quite they can be so that is definitely something I want to achieve

As for repairing/patching the exhaust system as ultra mentioned that wouldn't work because the exhaust system was already butchered when I got the car with the first half to 3/4 of the exhaust system already being completely missing and looks to have been missing for quite some time and the last portion being rusted beyond repair and the resonator being completely blown up with a huge crack/gash with metal just rattling around and hanging out of it so repairing it just isent an option.

As for the over all layout of the exhaust system and how is goes through and around the frame and it's good to know that there is a slightly different orientation of the exhaust system depending on the suspension. Mine of which being a torsion bar suspension thats good to know.

But from the sound of it, it sounds like I may have to have the exhaust system specifically made for my car sense it will probably need to be slightly custom due to the new engine and transmission.

But I'm also still looking into getting an original exhaust system from someone up in Kansas city from a guy who's parting out a 56 packard partrition (sorry if I butchered that I didn't know how to spell it off the top of my head) I'm sure it and a 55 clipper exhaust system will be different in some way so I know i may have make a few adjustments to it here's hoping it's in good enough condition.

The Patrician is a senior car and that system will be like that on the 55 400 chassis shown in parts plate 20A linked in an earlier post. The wheelbase on the senior cars is 5 inches longer than the Clipper so there would need to be some fine tuning done to one or more pipes to make it fit the Clipper chassis but it might be a good starting option. New pipes would probably be needed between the engine and the mufflers and that might be the place it could be done.

So far that's my best option and I've got stuff from him before like 2 sets fender skirts I got from him off his 56, now yes I know they too don't fit on the 55 clipper without so fine tuning too to the wheel well but that's for later after I get everything mechanically sound and within passing for inspection to get the car on the road. After that it will be time to get the car looking nice and pretty but for right now I need an exhaust system

Yup, I would start with the KC system and modify it.

To check for dual exhaust, just look for a hanger symmetrical to the one currently holding up the remnants of the right side exhaust. It would look like a broken piece of rectangular rubber belt.

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Unless your car has been in an accident and poorly repaired, the wheel openings should be the same clear back to 1951 unless I'm mistaken. Trim varied from year to year and model to model especially in 1955 and 1956 so there may be holes in the wrong places but the fitment should be identical.

Welp turns out the exhaust system the guy had up in KC was totally junk says the thing practically turned to dust in his hands when he touched it so that sucks, oh well

I've already looked around all over Facebook marketplace for other 55-56 packards and everyone ive seen has ether been way to far away or the exhaust system is already junk or the person isn't willing to part there car out like that which is understandable.

So looks like I'll most likely have to go online and buy a cheap exhaust system for the time being even if it is a straight pipe just until I can work up the money to have one property made for the car. So I guess if any of yall know of a good exhaust system site to go to online to get something temporary just let me know

Yeah just buy a muffler or two from RockAuto based on the inlet size and approximate dimensions:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/exhaust+&+emission,muffler

Then get some flex pipe:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/exhaust+&+emission,pipe,rolled+band+flex+pipe,1001160

Plus clamps and hangers and you should be all set:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/exhaust+&+emission,hanger+/+bracket,hanger+/+bracket,1001620
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/exhaust+&+emission,clamp

This won't be a "good" system by any means, but it should be satisfactory for a very low price, and keep you on the road.

Thomas, since your engine has gone from a big block Packard to a small block Chevy, you're not going to use a Packard crossover and as of yet you don't know how a Chevy crossover will fit. Headers for a small block Chev are reasonable and available in different configurations, i.e. standard, short tube, close quarter, etc. Headers don't make the exhaust loud, it's the mufflers. Once you figure out what headers will fit the chassis without interfering with the torsion level system, it's intermediate pipes, mufflers, and tailpipes (resonators if you want them). Dual 2" pipes with the right mufflers will be fine. Of course if you want a single exhaust you can crossover from the left header to the right side with a wye before the single muffler. Just something to think about.
Engine warm up may take a little longer depending on carb/choke set up..unless it has electric choke or throttle body injection. Good luck. PB