Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

For the seat, there is a handle on the driver's side that disengages the track lock. My seat on my '54 didn't move either. That was from three things:

1) The tracks needed to be cleaned and lubed.
2) The metal wire that connects the two-track locks was broken, so only one lock was disengaging.
3) The track springs were broken. So, there is no assistance when trying to move the seat forward against gravity on the track incline.

Look at my project blogs, which cover all the gory details of bringing my '54 Clipper from a scrap car to a restored one. The car is virtually identical to yours.

I guess this is what the lever is that you ae referring to? If I move it with the vice grips that came on it seems to be connected to a metal rod that goes across to the passenger side but if you try to move the lever the metal rod just barley moves. so, is the best way to work on it to remove the lower seat cushion from the frame to gain access to the tracks? I got a Packard service manual with the car and read something about that

Yes, I forgot the design is a little bit different between the 53 and 54 seats. It used a rod, and not a wire.

There should be a couple of screws in the back to remove and perhaps a couple in the front, which will then allow you to remove the plastic side shrouds. Get those out of the way and stored safely. They are not reproduced and are usually pretty brittle by now.

Then, you will be able to see the bolts that hold the seats to the tracks. You can separate the seat from the track and pull the seat out through the door. Get some help; it's heavy and awkward.

The tracks are bolted through the floor. So, to remove the actual tracks, you'll need to get underneath the car. It will probably take some penetrator on those nuts.

Thank you BigKev for the response every little bit helps right now as I am new to the Packard cars but so far from what I am looking at I am loving the quality of this car. I am really impressed with the people jumping in to help me.

You'll find this group is super helpful and that BigKev knows his stuff!

The rod linking the two sides may be out of adjustment and not unlocking the passenger side.



Cleaning up the tracks, along with rebuilding my seats was one of last winter's projects.



The lever for you seat is the smile, and the nose is the escutcheon for that lever. Hopefully they're in your collection of goodies. (Ignore the eyes, those are for the handle on the back of the seat.)



Looks like this on the seat and to release the seat you lift, so the shaft rotates counter clockwise.



I would suggest pulling the bottom cushion, taking the seat off, removing the controls and tracks, cleaning it all up so everything works nice and smooth. Might have 71 year old grease in there that isn't very greasy any more!

I love how well made Packards are made! I'm continually impressed by my 71 year old Cavalier!

A rebuilt engine & trans, along with paint and upholstery..........most of the big ticket items have been taken care of for you already. It'll be more time than money, which is great!

You have probably figured this out by now, but all you have to do for access is lift the cushion out of the base, front first.

For sure the 53 seats are different than 54. No lift out cushion on mine. The seat upholstery is built onto the seat bottom frame.

Wvsanta I only have the bug eye lights I think.

Ask Ross 2 posts back I'm sure he has a bunch.

Oh yes, tail lamps and trunk latches are not a problem. I have parted out many '53 Clippers so have all manner of bits and pieces.

As you are discovering they are very nice cars. They might not have the artistic panache of some of the prewars, but they are exceptionally good at being cars. I just drove home from the next town on the interstate with one finger draped over a spoke of the steering wheel doing 75.