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Dave, don't feel bad, I have those moments daily.


Well today I attempted to determine if my sylphon thermostat works. It appears not. I cleaned up the housing as best I could and then took a measurement at room temp, say 65 degrees F in the garage. Then I put the thermostat in water that was just boiled, say 175 degrees F. Sadly enough, not much change, maybe 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. I believe I need on the order of 1/4-inc to 3/8-inch, maybe even 1/2-inch.

Does anyone have any input into how I tested the thermostat? When I did this experiment, I did not allow any water to flow into the inside of the thermostat, just around the outside.

Has anyone had any experience replacing these on a 1933 or 1934?

The ones that merritt and hirsch sell appear to have a slightly different arm. Simply put, I am not sure how they would attach to the outer lever mechanism that controls the front grill louvers. Any thoughts would be great.

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Hi Dave,
With all the good info you give out you are occasionally allowed a "senior moment" or in your words "intellectual intermission" I like that Dave and will add to the memory bank.
Terry

Hi Hobbs,
I bought one from MM's a year ago for my 34 and it fitted straight in. It's been working ever since and no alterations were needed. Terry

The difference is that the old rusty one still has the arm attached - just unscrew it and screw it onto the new one, very simple installation. Test by putting it in a pan of water and heating, place in the pan with the sealed end down, like an upside down hat. Rod should move about an inch when the water hits 160 degrees, or so.

The last one I bought was from Bill Hirsch, but might pay to shop around a bit, prices might vary a little.

Thanks for all the forgiveness on my "intellectual intermission".

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No kidding, It was so rust crusted that I couldn't discern the point where it unscrewed. I was under the impression it was a solid piece to the bottom plate. However, it is apart now! Nothing a little die grinder action with a scotch pad and some brake fluid to cut the rust down couldn't handle.

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Glad to hear that the one from Hirsch worked.
I will probably go that route as he is about 50 bucks cheaper than Merritt, unless someone has a specific brand/model number that I can contact NAPA/other sources for. I seem to remember Hirsch was cheaper last year when I was toying around on his site. I think it used to be 180, now 275, seems a little greedy to me. Merritt is his usual high self at 325. I really wish people would realize that the classics are not bringing as much as they were 10-15 years ago.

Any help would be great.

Thanks guys!

Does anyone know if anyone reproduces the "Pines Automatic Winterfront" tag that is riveted to the sylphon cap assembly shown below?

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Yes, it's been in reproduction for some time and is available, along with other Pines Winterfront parts, from Classic & Exotic. Google the name, you'll find them and many other parts for your car such as Bragg-Kliesrath power brake components.

Regardless of who you buy your Sylphon from, they all come from the same original source. There was a time when you buy them directly from large truck service centers, but those days are long gone. Forget NAPA and other autoparts stores.

Well, not a lot of progress in recent months. The wife insisted that I finish the house, period, or else....

So the garage has been taken up by sawhorses and trim and paint and saws and everything involved.

Regardless, a little progress has happened.

I had the Sylphon thermostat rebuilt by Jim Otto in Knoxville, TN. He was at 200 to rebuild it, and I refused to pay the insane price that the major Packard part vendors are asking for a new one.

Once that was received back, I bead blasted the cover and gave it a coat of paint. Then put the entire assembly back in the car. Also installed a new petcock in the bottom of the radiator and placed the radiator back in the car. Still need to test for leaks, and will do so when I get the garage cleaned up.

That was going well during the last couple of weeks with the 75 degree warm up we had. Unfortunately, as I am typing this, I am watching it snow. Darn global warming! So garage clean up will be put off a bit longer.

Did obtain a few packard parts that I was seeking. The elusive clock bracket and a couple of interior door handles. Also got a new hand throttle assembly that mounts to the firewall.

Everytime I study this car carefully, I find more pieces that are missing. I am going to post some parts I am seeking and hopefully someone can help.

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Here are some photos of the parts I am seeking.

1. A "catcher's mit" wiring cover. Mounts under the front fenders. I do have one side, compliments of a packard info members diligent efforts! But still in search of the other side. Also, I anyone has the smaller shims, it would save some fabrication time.

2. Glove compartment door latch assembly. I am needing the little ball and sleeve assembly. I have the door, just the latching parts are missing on one side only.

3. TOP LEFT Solar Headlamp.

4. The flexible piece that attaches the brake selector switch through the firewall. Mine is shattered. Not sure if this could be fabricated.

5. A three position switch that mounts under the dash. Prefer original.

6. License plate lens.

7. Clamps that hold the front apron covers to the front bar.

Please let me know if you are able to help.

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For the headlight, are you looking for just the lens, or the lens and rim, or the entire assembly?

My 34 has the same lights (Solars, though some 33s used Depress-beam) and I looked unsuccessfully for many years for a pair of spare lenses. Suddenly and just recently there have been quite a few sets on eBay.