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Thanks so much, Hank. Yes, I enjoy all the functional old equipment also. It's really neat to be able to work the way folks would have when the car was new.

Good eye on the early Bronco. That's our semi regular driver. Kind of a do all sort of vehicle, yet old enough to be interesting. In this case, it held to steel ramp while I hung off the header pipe to urge it into fitting the car.

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Thanks Joe, yes time really flies by. I am afraid you have accomplished far more than I, this year. Wouldn't that be a fine race. I think the real race would be between the '39 and the '40. We could recreate the PMCC film where they actually did race the two. Not much of a race, as the '40 walks away from the old long stroke 320. I do hope we can get our cars together eventually.

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Hi John,

I am not sure on Lincoln, but for 1940 Packard with the 356 they are made of thick wall copper (thick compared to what you might get at the hardware store). Great thought on the Vac. Adv. line being close to the spark plug high tension connection. I clearanced it to be about an inch away, allowing the line to clip into the holder at the spark plug wire loom, clear the brackets, and be far enough away to not create a pesky misfire.

Jim
My heater tube is a little different than yours. It has to first wrap around the a/c compressor, then back to the top of the cylinder head where it meets the bracket that you have made. With that extra loop, there would be plenty of "play". I would be most appreciative if you could make one the same height as you made, and would gladly pay you for your time and materials.
(photo of display engine)

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West, Some years ago at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance, I overheard a restorer talking about his customer's Lincoln Continental. He had just finished doing a complete restoration, and it was a beautiful car. He was talking about all the details they did to make the car absolutely right. He talked about the fuel, vacuum, and oil filter lines and said he told his customer that copper tubing would be just fine as it would have the same look as the original. The customer wanted to be completely correct and had the restorer make up steel tubing and then get it copper plated. When asked why the customer went to this effort, the restorer said the customer was afraid a judge would put a magnet to the lines and find out they were not steel. That's what I heard.

(o[]o)

After a much needed nap this evening, I'm happy to report that on this 100+ degree weekend and 200 miles driven in the freshly freshened up '40, it was delightfully un-eventful!

No problems with heating, fuel delivery, or mechanical issues. We hit two Friday evening cruse-in's, the Saturday PI get together in Scottsdale, where we climbed heading east in the worst heat of the day, and Sunday's surfaced street/freeway trip to the orphan car picnic.

The engine seems to be settling in well, with almost no detectable blow by and no smoke what so ever. It makes good power and holds very respectable oil pressure hot and idling. Lifters all silent at zero lash and no exhaust leaks.

There are some little things left on the pic-list, but in all I feel we are set for Laughlin at this point, which was the primary objective for this heavy shake down weekend. I will say this, after the extensive use of our prevalent interstate highway system here in Phoenix, my next major project is to install the overdrive package I have nestled away for this car. That will truly be a treat!

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Looks great, Jim.

Doing 55 on the freeway gets the rpms up there all right. You will love the overdrive. After cleaning the solenoid contacts, my worked like new. Second over is a great gear, and being able to pedal down and kick into 3rd from 3rd over after slowing down for a curve is awesome.

Joe

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West, no problem. You've helped me with my project, I'd be glad to help you out. Let's plan on getting to this after the Laughlin meet. I will get the diameter of your heater pipe and the height off the head so we can get it close.


Latest developments with the car is lots of little repairs such as replacing the flasher relay for the period installed turn signal system. Working turn signals is almost a guilty pleasure. The rear seat base brackets where they index into the seat retainers were broken. Had to make and install a steel splint. Seems to work well and I am sure the passengers will greatly appreciate the rear seat not sliding out from under them.

We began to develop an annoying vibration at about 55 MPH. I was suspicious of the left front outer wheel bearing and upon doing the hand on the bumper wheel spin test verified it was indeed the source of a rumble. Flackmaster to the rescue, bearings in hand, (and replacing a weeping wheel cylinder to boot) we managed to get the wheel bearings, wheel cylinder, and four 7.00 X 16 tires replaces Tuesday night by 11:30 p.m. in spite of palm frown shorting our power poll wires and interrupting electrical service for an hour and a half.

Out for a test drive Wednesday evening. The car is smooth as silk, no vibration what so ever. Going from the 6.50 X 16's to the 7.00's not only give the car the correct stance and look, it makes a remarkable difference in RPM v. MPH most detectable in the speed shifted out of Low gear.

Just a few more little tweaks before getting the '39 out of storage. Very excited!

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Looking good Jim. I think I am going to have to get a set of those tires in the correct size for my car. While the radials are nice and drive great, I just love the look of those tires with the scalloped edges. Plus my cars sits way to low with the tires I have on now, and even if I put the 235's on my car they will still sit lower that the correct 7.60x15 tires would.

Now to find a set that isn't going to require me to sell a kidney to get them.

Took the PackardInfo shop truck (aka my 2012 Kia Sorento) out today for a 170 mile parts haul, and would you believe that you have easily fit two 1940 Super 8 side mount fenders in the back and still have little room to spare? Seeing is believing.

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