Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Why take the chance on damaging a $200 water distribution tube to satisfy laziness?

OK OK, you've got the last word. I wasn't aware that the owner of the car was intending to be lazy.

I never worked on one of these cars, but the factory shop manual sez nothing about removing the grille to do this - only the radiator.

The 51-54 grille seems to have ample space; sounds like it is simply a matter of carefully lining things up as they come out. With a good engine crane to do the lifting and an old-time, acme-threaded low jackstand to precisely support the motor, I'd also wanna put a couple of garden-variety, ratchet-style jackstands under the frame rails to prevent the car from wiggling up/down on its springs as I worked.

Removing the grille is a good idea if it or the sheet metal beneath needs attention - as BigKev previously noted.

Quote:

I'm not trying to get the last word and there's no reason to be so condescending. I'm just stating the fact that there's no need to take the chance and damage a part that costs $200.

It has been a REALLY long time since I took the grill off of my '51, but I don't recall it being a very big project. I would worry about the ditribution tube bending and/or the tube scratching the chrome on the grill. Loosening motor mounts and messing with engine cranes seems like more work than removing the grill IMHO, but like I said, maybe I'm not remembering accurately how easy it was to remove the grill?

I'm pretty sure I pulled my grille in like 15 mins when I did it.

Plus with radiator and grille out of the way you really have uncluttered access at the front of the engine. That makes even getting the water pump off a much easier task.

Hope this will help,I just went through the same problems with my 51 sedan(288 cu) and in order to remove the tube it is safer to take the grill OFF. The tube will not pass through the grill. Trust me I spent a long time trying to fit it through without bending it and you will bend it and I would imagine it is not a cheap item.

Just as an aside, as long as you have a pattern they are quite easy to make from sheet brass and a little solder. A couple of holes to cut or punch, a couple of bends, and an end cap to fabricate.

Thanks everyone. Didn't mean to stir things up so much. I think I will take the advice to pull the grill first. As kevin suggested it wouldn't hurt to clean up and paint the back of it.

Quote:G'day watertoy,
First post, so to PackardInfo. And, could you please include your '51 Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?