Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

A couple three months ago I was having problems removing the engine pan so I could repair 2 cylinders that were low on compression. I finally got the pan off which required 4 screwdrivers, one hammer, and 3 hours. It seems the gasket sealer used on the car set up like glue. I found one cylinder had a broken ring and the other just needed new rings. I honed the cylinders and put it back together with new rings. Both cylinders now have the proper compression and the engine runs fine.

I have been stripping the paint from the body. Today I primed the body, except for the cowl. I have also primed a lot of the parts I have removed from the car. The paint store has custom mixed Trianon Green Metallic paint for me that is virtually a perfect match for the paint chip I have of the color.

Friday a friend will be over and we will remove the windshield. I can then strip the cowl and get it primed. After a lot of sanding and some minor fill the car will be ready for paint.

The windshield frame and a couple of other small pieces need re-chroming. Hopefully it does not cost an arm or two. Most of the chrome looks like new.

All of the interior has been removed and I have made all the black leather pieces - seats, door panels, kick panels, rear quarter panels, etc. They are ready to go back in the car after it is painted. Then it will be just make a new top for it and put in new carpet. It may get finished before I die.

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Looking good, Keith. Keep up the progress. DAF

OH, and when are you planning to die?

Hello, David. It will be probably within 6 years. I am 78, in the last 14 months I had 4 different cancers, and I have diabetes. The preceding is not a recipe for a really long life. However the cancer is all behind me now and the diabetes had been under control for many years. Each day I feel better and can get more done. I would like to have the car painted and back together and driving this year.
Gary says to give you a kiss hello.

Someone recently wrote, maybe here, the following: "The plan is to die young, as late as possible."

Great plan JWL.