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(1) 2 »

How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#1
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Jack Vines
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That's the short wheelbase 2-door junior body with upscale trim.

I ran across one of those and sort of liked the hardtop look. I've always wanted a TL car, but in a more sporting config.

Naturally, it wouldn't be a cost-effective swap, but a while back, I came across a bare TL chassis and it got me thinking.

jack vines

Posted on: 2014/4/16 19:01
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#2
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HH56
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Be interesting to hear if anyone has done it. One thing you might do is check the frame dimensions in the respective service manuals and see how much difference there might be in the bolt locations. Just looking at a few comparisons between the Mayfair's 250 frame and the 5562-67 frame they seem to fall in line fairly well. If your found TL frame is for the Clipper, might be just a matter of moving a few outriggers or drilling a couple of new holes.

Posted on: 2014/4/16 19:26
Howard
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#3
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Ross
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If you find a hardtop frame you will have almost zero trouble other than the radiator cradle mount and perhaps the front outer body mounts if you use a 56 frame. If you use a sedan frame you may have to move or add an outrigger or two.

Posted on: 2014/4/16 20:30
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
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Let the ride decide
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Jack,

Sounds like an interesting project!

V8, or straight 8?

Posted on: 2014/4/16 21:59
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#5
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Craig Hendrickson
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+2 on what Howard and Ross posted.

As an aside, when I belonged to the "Over the hill gang" (nondenominational) car club in Las Vegas, the club president's wife had a 1953 Mayfair. When I asked her why she wanted that particular car, she said, "because it has a big steering wheel." LOL Another member had a 1938 Packard coupe. So, with my 55 Pat, a few times at meets Packards outnumbered the Pontiacs!

Craig

Posted on: 2014/4/17 11:10
Nuke them from orbit, it's the only way to be sure! Ellen Ripley "Aliens"
Time flies like an arrow. Frui
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#6
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The reason I asked about V8 or straight8, in 1954, Bob Aller put in a V8 into a 54 Clipper the motor sat back further.

The firewall has the indent on the 51-54, and the V8 don't.

There maybe other oddities, that others more familiar with both bodies and drivetrain can comment on.

Posted on: 2014/4/17 13:12
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#7
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Tim Cole
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I only heard that Allison had a 53 with TL and when it broke, parts from a 55-56 couldn't be used so it was junked.

Posted on: 2014/4/17 17:00
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#8
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BigKev
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The 51-54 frame has an additional crossmember at the very front edge of the frame that I don't believe the 55/56 frames have. I believe that is right under or close to the radiator cradle.

So not sure what else is different at that leading edge of the frame that could affect hanging the 51-54 front sheet metal on the 55-56 TL frame.

Posted on: 2014/5/5 13:46
-BigKev


1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog

1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#9
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chad hoover
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Bob Aller's 54 is a Caribbean. Black and white, i know the car well. I knew bob and spent quite a bit of time with him and in his shop.

Posted on: 2016/3/9 22:24
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Re: How difficult to install a Torsion Level chassis under a '53 Mayfair?
#10
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Rusty O\'Toole
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I may be a bit slow but wouldn't it be easier to buy a 55 or 56 hardtop with torsion level?

Posted on: 2016/7/15 13:50
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