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

The SoCal region of PI still has interchange manuals available.http://www.packards-today.com/catalog.php?CID=5 Clutches are in Vol 2. The one I have is 35 yrs old so unknown how much if any info has been added.

According to the manual, the sizes are 9?, 10, 11, & 12 inches and has a listing of cars that use each. The 10 would be correct in this case.

They also mention (as does O_D) that it is much better to have the old rebuilt rather than buying a non Packard piece. That may have something to do with the dampening springs. I believe there are a few service articles mentioning various changes in the springs to control or eliminate "disturbances" as Packard liked to call them.

I think I have a NOS Packard clutch plate that'll work in your car. PM me if you're interested and I'll dig it out.

Just a follow-up. I decided to get the parts I need from Kanter. After looking around at other clutch sources, I figured I still would have to get a throw-out bearing and pressure plate from somewhere, so I just went with the one source. Just finished it up last night. Everything works great. Just in time to put it in storage!

Thanks for all of the advice and input.

Hi,

This is the first time I'm reading this post, it popped up with your newest entry tonight. I read it from the beginning and my heart sank the more I read. You wanted to hear of good experiences and horror stories and I saw you headed straight for clutch hell. Lots and lots of incorrect information from fellow Packard owners trying to be helpful.

Clutch discs have different diameters AND they also have different thicknesses. Pressure plates have different release heights. If there weren't so many differences there wouldn't be hundreds and hundreds of 10" clutches and pressure plates. They may bolt in but they may slip or not release

Packard V8's have 4" pistons, so do Cadillac,Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Chevy etc. Between them there are probably 200 4" pistons and none of them interchange.

Glad you had a successful and happy ending. I'd like to send you a set of seat belts for your family, safety first, let me know.

Fred Kanter
Kanter Auto Products
Boonton NJ

PS, Your kids will know what a REAL car is.
Boonton NJ

I've been thinking about seat belts myself. But I can't decide on the color. When I do get around to the interior, I've been thinking of going away from the factory gray. But black may be the way to go....hmm needs some thought.