Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

If you have a clutch pedal, then it's a 3 speed manual tranny. "Three-on-the-tree" aka shifter on the column.

I was in a similar boat as you. Bought my '54 Clipper for $500, and the motor was stuck when I got it. Poured some ATF in the cylinders, let it soaked, then sucked out the atf, and got the motor loose with a large wrench on the crank bolt.

Once free, drop the pan, clean out the sludge, and look around underneath for any obvious problems.

Run a compression check and see where everything is at.

I didnt need to tear into my motor. It was just stuck from sitting. Runs like a top now. Check my blog for all the info on mine. The 327 in my car is almost identical to the 288 you have.

It has a gearshift on the steering column like an automatic, but it is a manual trans with a clutch. Sometimes known as "3 on the tree" lol how cool is that?

The gearshift is the lever on the right side of the steering wheel.

Pull the lever towards you and up for reverse, towards you and down for low gear, away from you and up for second gear, away and down for high gear. It is an "H" pattern with neutral in the middle.

Let Youtube school you

youtube.com/watch?v=rfC-xkyyCQY

61 Ford 330HP V8 with 3 speed. Notice the shifter action.

youtube.com/watch?v=26pQioiKaOs&feature=related

With your Packard you do not need to shift a lot. Once you get in 3d you can do most of your driving, and idle down to 15 MPH then pull away and speed up to 90MPH without shifting. At least, it would when it was new maybe not so much now. The point is you don't have to shift gears all the time like the peanut motors in the new cars.

Use a delicate touch and don't try to shift it too fast and it will work fine for you.

Here is a 53 Packard with the same motor as your car, it sat for 30 years, see how it runs.

youtube.com/watch?v=W7i0ngnScf0&feature=related

There are other videos of straight 8 Packards that guys got running after they sat for years.

PM me about an extremely affordable distributor.

Remember, your car is 6v, positive ground. I'm sure you will need a battery so don't put a 12v in it. Make sure you attach the ground wire from the engine to the positive terminal.

Having a manual trans will put you miles ahead in repair costs. Much better than having to have an automatic rebuilt.

Garrett,
for including your '52 Deluxe Sedan in the Packard Owners Registry. However you have included it as a 2565 a 200 Deluxe Club Sedan but I see from this post, Back doors wont open that you have a 4 door sedan! Could you check the ID numbers? A 200 Deluxe Touring Sedan should be prefixed as 2562. If that's the case, can you please adjust the Registry entry? And speaking of numbers - Dave, Owen_Dyneto here, collects the ID, Theft Proof Number(large number stamped in firewall) and Engine Numbers for a study he is doing, and I'm sure he would appreciate your advice of these.

Quote:Garrett,

Had a look at your video and also the other one looking closely at the engine and engine compartment. Looks like it hasn't run for a long time. And it is a 4 door sedan!

Also saw your powered shopping trolley. Put the same sort of effort into the Packard and you'll have a much better ride than the trolley. And legal too!

You don't have to invest in a 6 volt battery right away. You can get the car running with a 12 volt if you are careful and don't let it run too long.

If you can afford it buy an Optima 6 volt battery, they are better and longer lasting than regular batteries and will prevent many of the problems that occur on old 6 volt systems.

I see by your video the air filter is on your motor. That is good. Chances are your motor is not seized up, or will come loose with a little persuasion.

Rad hose is off, possibly someone drained the rad which is also good. But beware, sometimes mice and critters go in and make nests plugging up the top of your rad. If this happens you need to take the rad out, turn it upside down and flush out the mouse nests.

So, your car should not be too hard to get running. Go slow and careful, do not tear everything apart right away. I have brought back many old motors from retirement, if you want to know how to do it just ask.

On the door issue. Did you pull up the door lock buttons? Are they free to move? Did you try the inside handle as well as the outside one? Could you get in the back seat and work the inside handle while pushing the door out? Sometimes they are just stuck.

Do not put oil or penetrating oil in door locks. It gums them up. A shot of WD40 is not too bad if you follow it up with graphite. Alcohol is better than WD40. Or possibly brake cleaner spray.

Would also suggest you clean out the car. Save everything even if it does not look like a car part. That funny looking bit of metal or rubber can turn out to be some irreplaceable part you need later. Put everything in boxes and ziplock bags and put it away. If you find any car parts they will give you a clue what was wrong when they put the car away or junked it. You can throw out the old cigarette packs and dried up ballpoint pens lol.

Quote:Garrett,
for fixing your Registry entry.