Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

One more comment, slightly off the main thread, but in keeping with information in manuals. I have noticed that in many places in factory manuals that the engine cylinder bore for the 1955 320 V-8 is listed as 3 3/16" instead of 3 13/16". I believe 3 3/16" was the bore size for the old 320 in-line 8-cylinder engine.

(o[]o)

Yup, the "320" engine from 29 thru 39 was 3-3/16 bore.

Not that Packard always clarified or commented on errors in shop and parts manuals, but when they did so it was often published in the Service Counselors. If you're using the shop manual and parts list without benefit of the Service Counselors (and Technical Service Bulletins as well for that matter) you're missing some important information.

Randy.. what kind of plumbing insulation? I'd love to know more!

The same that slips over your water pipes to prevent condensation. The originals were a sponge-like product and this is a close match.

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Randy, great minds. I used the same material for the same purpose on my '55 Clipper.

(o[]o)

Perfect! Love it!!

JW, I would keep that great minds comment to yourself. We could lose some valuable members as they die laughing.

Won't get any argument out of me as to the priority of publications when it comes to matters of authenticity, but the problem is that the part books don't tell us what type of clamp P/N 473183 is.

Since my last post in this thread, I made it out to offsite storage to inspect the hose clamps on my unrestored (but needs restored) Caribbean Hardtop. I'll spare you the pix of the four worm gear clamps used on both lower hoses - in and out of trans cooler. However, the upper hose shows two band clamps of a vintage style. Yet, because all of these hoses been replaced, I wouldn't consider this as prima facie evidence.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I resumed pursuit of the paper trail from my purchase of spring wire clamps. I found the original price list (undated, but likely from the late 80s) that I had used to order parts from Bob Johnson at [/i]Special Interest Autos of St. Louis[/i]. That price list clearly shows:

473183 (use 426013)

However, I found an earlier edition of his price list (likely from the early 80s), which showed P/N 473183 with a price - that is, still in stock. Though this had all the appearance of a vendor substitution, I began to wonder where he came up with that information. Not suggesting that it was merely intuitive, but he had thousands of P/Ns to maintain - likely in a manual inventory control system.

So, I checked my [Studebaker Parts and Accessories Price List - Book F, with an effective date of January 1, 1966. It shows:

473183 USE 426013

BTW, I couldn't help but notice, on the same page, that the 55 front fenders - both Senior and Junior - were still available then, with a Suggested List Price of $62.60 each! (Anyone got a flux capacitor I can borrow?)

The only other factory price lists that I have were from 1956, which of course show both P/N 426013 and P/N 473183 available.

Although we still don't know what type of clamp 473183 is, for sure, the factory price list information seems to validate (at least for service) the use of the Corbin type spring wire clamp (P/N 426013) on the 55-56 cars - that is, EXCEPT for the one band type clamp (P/N 230085) used at the water pump inlet.

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Look at the picture of the engine in this "new" article just posted,https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/1955_TheNewPackard_Brochure.pdf

Notice the hose clamps!

From the PI Judging Guide:


1951-1956

All Wire Type (Corbin) except for the inlet side of the water pump, which is a screw strap type.