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I just dropped the oil pan on my 1951 300. The inside is nice and clean. Can someone recommend what trans oil I should use?. Should I use the Type A as in the 1951
owners manual? Or should I use Type F as in some of the forums? Or should I use Slick Shift to revitalize the trans
bands? Please help.

I'd recommend Type F or if you can't locate it easily, then Type FA which is much easier to find. I don't use any additives, but many folks like to use snake oils of one type or another and no doubt you'll get some comments on their use. With the pan down, don't neglect to clean the mesh screen. I also have put a small flat magnet in the steel pan to hold magnetic wear particles in place.

And don't forget to drain the torque converter. To do this you will need to remove the lower bell housing cover. Rotate the "flywheel" until you find a plug, and remove it. You will also need to rotate the unit another 180 deg. to remove the second plug so the converter will completely drain.

You probably already know that the dip stick for checking the transmission oil level is located in an inconvenient place. I believe it is toward the front of the transmission on the left-hand (driver's) side. It can be accessed from underneath the car or through a removable cover on the inside floor board. You will need to access it through the inside of the car as this is how fluid is added to the transmission.

You will need to access it through the inside of the car as this is how fluid is added to the transmission.

Certainly the easiest way to add fluid, but not the way Packard pictured it in their various service documents. Of course they always had access to a lift which most of us don't. When there is no access plate and the owner is unwilling to cut the floorboards, I've found it easy enough, though not as convenient, to fill from below using a suction/pump hand gun commonly sold at autoparts stores for a few bucks. Same kind of tool you'd use to fill differentials, manual transmissions, overdrives, etc. from below.

Some folks have made a smaller hole in the center of the tunnel, further back, to access the transmission vent and filled thru it.

Don't believe there is any need to make a hole as there is already one there over vent on top of tunnel (Gr 30.8125 in parts bk). Access is by moving seat all way back and then pull carpet down & away to uncover and remove 2 screws. Either unscrew the vent or pry the sheet metal cap off and pull the mesh out.

Usually the kicker is the jute backing and carpet is heavy and bulky--which sometimes makes it want to flop back just when you are pouring.

Are you certain they all had a removeable cover over the vent, from 23rd series and up at least until Gear-start and Twin? I've a couple of friends with 50-54 cars who swear there is none, though I don't know who thoroughly they looked.

I know both the 51's I grew up with had them as well as the 54 Pacific I did a few years ago. This is what I'm going by in saying they all did. Don't think the V8's do.

EDIT: it is way back and if the seat is forward, will not be noticeable. There should be a thin area in carpet where jute is left out and there might be a small depression ring.

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My '53 Caribbean is set uo as HH56 stated as well. I pull the front seat all the way back and lift up the carpet to uncover the vent. I fill fill the trans there.

Some Packard owners have reported good results using B&M brand fluid. Apparently it cleans and rejuvinates the clutch linings and makes balky transmissions work like new.

B&M makes racing transmissions. Their products can be bought online or from speed shops.