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

Just bought my wife's late step dads 53 Clipper, and his entire collection of Packard parts, memorabilia, collectibles, literature, etc.

Car was a 2 owner car before I bought it. I have the original sales paperwork with purchaser info, and a letter between my late father in law and the original owners son, who sold the car after his fathers death.
Car has 17k miles on it, and looks to be in near mint shape inside and out. It was always garage kept. Black 4 door deluxe. We found an appraisal from 2004 stating a value of $18.5k.

The car's last registration sticker was 2008, so it's likely been sitting since then, and I have no clue if it was ever periodically started.

With that said, where should I start first? I plan to drain all fluids and go from there. I'm thinking a carb rebuild is likely in order. Anything else I should look at in short manner?

Anyone here near the Norfolk, VA area?

If it has the Ultramatic transmission, be careful who you have work on that part. Not many shops are familiar with it.

I'm told it should run and drive. The trans is leaking but works otherwise.

Sorry if this is obvious, but it's 6 volt, positive ground

From my limited experience, I would think that a fuel pump rebuild is probable in addition to rebuilding the carb. Not knowing the condition of the rubber in the pump, nor how old it is, it may deteriorate when you start using new gas.

-Kevin

Good afternoon Kevin...You might want to put some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders and let it soak for a day or two and then turn it over without the key on to lube the cylinder walls..then a compression check to make sure you don't have and sticking valves...then fresh gas and fire her up...sometimes fresh gas from a little portable tank is a good idea if you don't know the condition of the tank. Disconnect the fuel pump until you know the condition of the tank. The carb and fuel pump might be fine until old gas and rust are sucked into them. Ernie in Arizona

Quote:G'day MrN,
I you to PackardInfo and a good start would be to include your '53 Clipper in the Packard Owner's Registry

I don't know how far Parkton Maryland is from you, but Ross Miller at Speedwell Garage is THE MAN for Packards of your era. You can contact Ross by sending him a Personal Message(PM) by clicking on the Send Message button in the link.

This might seem obvious but read the owners manual. 53 Packards had a unique starting procedure. If you don't have an owners manual, you can find a digital copy in the "literature" part of this website.

Also be sure to replace all rubber brake lines and rebuild all cylinders including the master. Rubber will deteriorate when sitting and brakes are not something with which you would want to take a chance.