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Joined: 2009/7/13 16:31 Last Login
: 1/8 16:00
From Walnut Creek, CA
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Summit Racing, 1 (800) 230-3030. Just bought an Optima Red Top, 6-volt, 800 cold cranking amp battery for my '47 Super last week, $135.97 including overnight shipping. This was $40-50 less than everyone else i called around the country even without Summit's free shipping on any order above $100. BTW, my previous Optima lasted just five months shy of 10 years. Not here to debate batteries. If you want to stick with those off-gassing, heavy, lead acid monstrosities, have at it. If you're a trophy hound, Antique Auto Battery, Youngstown, Ohio, 1 (800) 426-7580 sells faux original cases to disguise your Optima. I could care less, since I now, in addition to saving another 30 lbs. dead weight at the front end of these already nose-heavy, understeering Packards, can use most of my battery tray as a place to put tools when i'm working on the car. AAB also has a bolt-in 55-amp, 6-volt, positive-ground alternator for our 1940-50 356 engines with a perfectly-sized, custom-made pulley made from an original I sent them. Tell Jim a '47 Packard Super-8 in Walnut Creek, CA sent you. Again, not here to debate "originality," since some of us have long since made our bones in that dept. and prefer faster battery recovery, easier starting, brighter head and tail lights. No butchering, none, so any time you miss your 35-amp generator --- that doesn't put out at idle or low speed, and not 35 amps 'til 2,000 engine rpm --- you can switch back. In addition to this win-win, the alternator saves weight. We remain mystified why so many Packardites don't comprehend "weight is the enemy." Bentley did with their Continental R- and S-types, while Packard was aping GM hohum like the Buick Skylark, Cad Eldorado with their Caribbean. 200+ lbs. more than a standard Packard convertible with the same power. A dummy hood air scoop. Wire wheels and other crapola. That's "sporty?" But as mentioned, the Company was phoning in the cars, focusing on their more lucrative jet engine contracts, since the party was over for all independents. Less, as they say, is more. But then, i never felt a need to put a prewar gargoyle on my hood, or have every option just because a Packard dealer purveyed it, let alone burden my balanced engine with an air conditioner compressor. Sure it can handle it. The windows go down just fine without power assist. We oft forget that Packard had to be competitive to harpoon Mr. and Mrs. Jelly Chin Gotrocks, as the late Maurice Hendry called such folk, as well as those wanting a luxe road car. Obviously, AAB can supply the above for other Packards.
Posted on: 2013/10/16 15:26
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