Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I might be driving a 56 Clipper Custom 2 dr. hardtop on a 700 mile trip in late July. I've never done this with one of these cars. It has a complete engine rebuild and new Chrysler tranny. The engine I think has only around 3000 miles on it and the tranny less. Everything works like it should. I've never even driven a 55-56 Packard but the owner says it will run all day long at 70 mph and cruise effortlessly. I guess just take the usual, good floor jack for quicker tire change, toolbox. What if any extra parts would you take?

On long trips I like to carry a water pump. There are work-arounds for most every other minor failure but not for that one. Points and condensor are nice to have, but come to think of it, I've never needed to change them on the side of the road in the last 40 years. For fuel pump failure, you can buy an electric at any auto parts store and jury rig it in.

When I bought my 55 Patrician 15 years ago, I drove it 1,100 miles from Portland, OR to Las Vegas, NV. The only problem I had was that the short term previous owner had replaced the battery because it kept discharging. He had connected them as NEG ground and of course the Pat was POS ground. I had the same problem during the trip, but stopped in Barstow, CA and put in a new battery from Walmart while connecting it POS ground. End of problem.

Of course a 1956 Packard is already NEG ground.

Later that year I drove it from Las Vegas to Reno for "Hot August Nights". That was over 900 miles round trip. No problems.

Given your description of the 1956 Clipper Custom, drive it! The seller is correct: a V-8 Packard will cruise all day at 70MPH (or faster).

Craig

Make sure your spare is in good condition and holds air! I always carry a gallon of water for when your in the middle of nowhere and your overheat.

Hi Jesse:

That car should make the trip with ease, but bring a good tool box. A spare belt should always be on hand. Spare condenser and points, distributor wrench, and liquid tape.


Water pump failures usually result from runout and balance problems but that can be handled after the trip. However, if it starts leaking you can simply leave the cap not fully seated to take pressure out of the system.

Oldtimers I knew always carried a spare starter, generator, regulator, and ignition as well. But you can collect that stuff later.

The great thing about my favorite year Packards - 1930 - was that, except for a rod out the side, you could fix almost anything on the side of the road. You didn't even need a jack. The later cars require more equipment.

Jesse,

All good suggestions for you thus far posted. I carry everything cited already mentioned in my trunk everywhere I drive my '55 Packard 400. I would however beckon you to consider purchasing a AAA policy. They are not prohibitively expensive but the offer much peace of mind in addition to towing services. Two years ago I took my 400 on her longest road trip. I drove over to Laughlin, NV to attend the 2012 Packardinfo.com's 2nd annual River Fun Run. Round trip mileage, including the Run's activities, put the 400 at nearly 1000 miles over 2 1/2 days.

The 400 drove like a champ and I was looking over my shoulders several times for the AZ Highway Patrol. A Packard V-8 performs well on Arizona's vast interstates.

So then, plan well, plan some more, act upon your best advice and instincts, and have a great time!

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Definite;y all good advice but, I'm not sure I could make some of those repairs that you guys have mentioned. I've never relplaced a water pump, generator, condensor, points or a belt on one of these cars. I guess if I was stuck on side of the road I might learn fast or at least tear somethingn up.

But Jesse, those make for the best stories later on over a nice drink!
Its not about the destination but how you got there.

A credit card, cell phone, and a AAA policy.

Seriously, there is good advice given by the earlier posters. Water pump and belt are probably the most critical items to take in addition to a well supplied tool box and a service manual.

Bon Voyage!

(o{}o)

Even if you cannot make the repair, at least you will have the parts available for a local mechanic to use.