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David,
You are a busy boy, indeed.
Sounds like you plan to do everything as good as new or better.
I am impressed.

HoW many Packards have you done?
Did you start all of them at this level?

DanL

I think I have done 5 or so cars. Most were at about the level of this convertible. One, I bought as a parts car turned out to be better than the one I was restoring. So I switched which one was restored. I'd have to count to know for sure. I have done engines/transmissions for a 33, 34, 37, 2 38s -one 6cyl and one Super 8, 39, 2 40s, 2 47s, 2 48s, 2 49s that I can think of right off the top.

We'll just have to wait and see how this one comes out and especially if I can get it done for Branson.

Well I finally got some more time in the shop. I cleaned and painted the gas tank for the gray convertible, mounted the sending unit, and installed it in the car. Everything's great....except the gas gage doesn't work now. I checked the sending unit after I installed it to make sure it made good electrical contact with the tank. I tried grounding the tank to te frame with a jumper, to no avail. I have to work on that another time.
I did get some work completed on the engine for the new convertible. The valve job is complete. I adjusted the valve clearances. I managed to get the crankshaft, rods, and pistons installed. Everything gaged out perfectly. I also brush painted the block and installed the water distribution tube.
I'll attach pics shortly.

It's OK to give me fits about my engine stand. I know what it looks like. I actually have a custom made stand for the straight eights. But it has a 288 mounted on it temporarily and you know how permanent temporary is. I've actually built 6 engines on the home made saw horses.

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Dave

No wise cracks about your engine stands, I am just impressed with your motor work... Gorgeous!

Keep up all this work and your city will rename your block "Cape Packard."

You're a "workin' fool", in the WISEST sense of that phrase.

DanL

Thanks!
With teaching all this week I haven't had much time in the shop. If my luck holds my rebuilt clutch should be here and I can get in the shop to install the pan, front cover, clutch etc.

The rebuilt clutch is here. So, if I can manage to get to the shop I may get more work done on the engine. find it interesting that the original markings are on top of the pistons in my engine. They are all labeled with a Y, 12, and the cylinder number. They are still evident after the original 40,081 miles showing on the odometer.

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Today was supposed to be spent with my son at a local car show. But, when I got out of bed this morning, the remains of Ike was causing high winds and rain. I still thought we might make it a little later in the day. No such luck our power went out and did not come back on until around noon. I then found that a large oak tree had been blown down across the road so I couldn't get out of the subdivision until we got it cut up and removed. After that was taken care of it was too late to make it to the show. So, I went to the shop. I was able to get the distributor cleaned painted and repaired. I then started on the carburetor. I didn't have as much luck with it. The center section of the three cast pieces was broken. I have several WDO carbs. But, none of them are for the 327. Therefore I will have to get a good core to rebuild. I have listed it in the parts wanted/for sale section of this site. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

I received the floor pan panels earlier this week. I haven't decided if they are close enough to to the original to use them or not. I'll post pics later and let you all make your suggestions/comments.

Dave,

Lookin better and better. I admire your ability, facility, and know-how to go down to the bare engine. When you get through with a engine it is ready to go anywhere the rest of the car will take it. Hope you get time to get this buggy on the road to Branson. You won't have a closer PAC National!!!

My 41 Clipper has 19,000 miles on it (that has got to be +100,000 miles). I have a distributor problem. It fires over 15 degrees above dead center. I can't retard the spark. The distributor is turned to its limit and will only turn in the direction that advances the spark even further. SO I admire a man that has as many hours inside Packard engines as you do. I will call to take it to a local mechanic some car friends recommended.

South Dakota had a few drizzles, but IKE just gave us clouds and winds less than 35 mph.

Keep it up

DanL

41ParPack Curious as to what your mechanic finds. Sounds to me like dist might be one tooth off on the drive gear.

41ParPack;
Has your oil pump been removed for service etc.? If so, my guess is that it was not reinstalled correctly. It should be set with number 1 at TDC and the drive pin set parallel to the camshaft.
One easy way to fix the problem is to switch the spark plug wires around the cap 1 hole. Of course the best way is to remove the oil pump and turn the shaft until it aligns correctly.
You could set the plug wires yourself. Just keep track of which is which. Good luck.