Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

On the upper-outer support pivot, the pin bolt and metal sleeve had fused together, and made it impossible to remove without some serious encouragement.

Attach file:

---

  (55.83 KB)


  (76.75 KB)

If you ever remove one of your Delco shocks, take some notes:
1. There are some leveling washers between the shock body and the frame. These are not meant for alignment. Only to create a flat surface. Make sure you replace the different thickness washers back to the same spots.

2. Each bolt is unique. Write a note as to which bolt came out of each hole.

Attach file:

---

  (97.68 KB)


  (142.51 KB)

Those "might as well do it now" things sure do add up quickly don't they. Before long that two week cosmetic touch up turns into a 2 year restoration project. You get one part fixed, put it on and makes the one next to it look shabby so that gets done and on and on. We've all been there and will be silly enough to be there again.

Having had a bad experience using Apple Hydraulics, and hearing that another well-respected restorer of this vintage Packard having the same experience, I sent my shocks to San Diego (Five Points Classic Auto Shocks, a family-owned shop that's been refurbishing all types of early lever-action shocks for well over 25 years. Father/son shop: Jerry & Mathew White)

Attach file:

---

  (41.83 KB)

Quote:

DON'T THEY THOUGH!!!

Here is my list of what I did while the front clip was off:
New Front motor mount $75
New steering center link pivot pin/bushing/nut $100
New Regulator $50
Rebuilt front shock absorbers $330
Rebuilt Generator $50
Repaired Radiator $85 (should have probably had it re-cored!!)
Rebuilt/restored carb $230 (Note: if you want your carburetor rebuilt, don't tell the rebuilder to "restore" it. The cost goes way up. :( )
Checked water distribution tube
Flushed block & heater core, new coolant
Wiring harness $800
Battery cable to starter $50 (#00)
Paint engine and accessories
(generator, oil filter, air cleaner, a/c compressor, fan, pulley, radiator, horns, plug wire brackets, coil, fire wall, chassis, engine, shocks)
New belts and hoses
Drop oil pan, clean, paint - new gasket - new oil
Clean oil filter canister and make new gasket - new oil filter
Clean, repair and lubricate speedometer
Replace speedometer cable
Repair radio head - new buttons $100
Bought new radio speaker -- $50

(Notice the mission creep here extended beyond things that had to be done with the front clip removed)

Attach file:

---

  (101.25 KB)

Just messing around on the computer while the car is inoperable.

Attach file:

---

  (46.70 KB)

West, I had Five Points rebuild the 2 front shocks and the rear stabilizer shock. I was satisfied completely with the quality and the communication. I highly recommend this business.

Pretty quick turn around, too. At least it was for the Delco shocks I sent. The shocks I sent for the 1930 speedster took quite a bit longer.

While I had the front clip off, I had to store it outside during the winter. I put it up on a pallet and covered with a tarp. In all the areas where the fenders had been reapainted, the paint bubbled up and made my fenders look like they had alligator skin.

As if on cue, I had a hard time judging where the garage door opening was on my way into the garage last fall. While the fender was going to have to be repainted anyway, this little episode kind of sped up the calendar a little bit.

Attach file:

---

  (64.66 KB)

Nothing like a little bit of that old-fashioned metal finishing, I always say.

Attach file:

---

  (70.55 KB)


  (51.00 KB)