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Joe, thanks for looking and taking the photos. It looks like something is welded on the back of your lever that I don't have. I'll have to figure out something to add thickness between the lever and rod on mine since it won't work long the way it is now.

Yes. Looks like someone welded a washer to the fork, about 3/32nds thick.

The original 40 engine came out in 1964 (cracked block, frozen) and a 120 went in, with some mods to make it work. Then the '47 356 went in sometime in the 70s, thanks to my friend Vaughn.

Interested in what you do to yours. I would want to duplicate that. But that washer has been welded in there for 40 years or so.

Cleaning the clutch has cured the slipping. I read up on Brake Cleaner today and it is dangerous stuff. You never want to light it, clean something and then weld. I wore a long-sleeve old sweat shirt, protective glasses and a respirator. Not fun under the car in this heat, but I went through 2 full cans, circulating the clutch and fly wheel with the starter until nothing came back out except clear cleaner.

Joe, ingenious way to fix a slipping clutch. Still, how did it get covered in oil? I guess that is the long-term quest. No gasket on the lower bell housing cover. I just bolts up to the bell housing.

(o{}o)

I had oil leaks from a number of places, JW. I took it to that shop that was such a disappointment (understatement). But more things are sealed up now. Pan, oil pump, master cylinder, connection at the pressure sending unit.

I added copper washers (per manual) to that plate between the back of the pan and front of the bell housing. I pulled out that thick strip of horse hair or whatever it is at the top and put it back in a little higher so it sealed at its top.

When I cleaned the bell housing, I did find a gasket. Must have been there since the year one because only when I doused it with brake cleaner did it show up. I didn't lift it, just cleaned it.

The process was suggested by Bob Earls who worked for Hill and Vaughn, but lives in Portland and maintains lots of cars here. He guided me through. Also fixed that pesky spring on the carb.

Staff meeting

Unrelated to oil on the clutch and I'm guessing you already know this but do make sure you have some clutch pedal free play when the pedal is in the up position - about 3/4 inch or so. If no free play is present, the pedal can top out against the floor board before the clutch is fully engaged.

I'm aware of that, Dave, and how to adjust it. (Tho as you saw in those photos for Howard, the apparatus needs to be restored to spec.) I'd say I have a healthy inch of play before feeling pressure, but a good reminder.

Have about 330 miles under my belt and resting for the night. in Crescent City, CA on the coast. Daughter Molly found me a lodge where the car should be secure. All night desk and in a handicap spot next to the door. Last pic is post sunset view from window.

Of course I check in with the office when I stopped at Starfish, a lodge I like in Newport, and got several jobs to do before continuing.

The Duchess has performed very well, up long hills in overdrive at 60-65 (when straight). No clutch slippage.

I stopped in a an Oil Can Henry's to check the tranny and OD, making sure they were full. They were fine. No charge... but forgot to have them check the differential, so stopped at a Havoline place. They did it and no charge. All very nice. BTW in the current OCH Lube magazine there's a picture of a Packard getting all the service there... another 1940 Convertible Sedan in No. Carolina. It looked black or dark with a tan top same as mine. Quite a coincidence since about only 20 or so are in a club.

One problem. The last station I stopped at, the guy had to top off the tank to the point where it was spilling over no only on the outside but under the car. There's a leak that has to be fixed obviously, where the sending unit attaches, but it means dropping the gas tank. It's never happened before and finally he spit out the truth about over filling while I had gone inside to get some distilled water. I bought a small gas can and drained a gallon and a half out. No leak and I was on my guy. This guy didn't help at all. Prob embarrassed. I had the tools and it's fine now, but I smell of gas, need to take a shower.

All in all, very happy. Really enjoying this trip.

Thanks for the suggestions and lists of items. So far I needed a screwdriver...and an empty gas can (which I purchased).

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Great way to enjoy your Packard Joe, driving it! And the pic's are wonderful.

Joe, great photos. Great drive. Great experiences. Memory makers. Image 7628 looks like the Evergreen Air Museum in McMinnville. I have a friend who lives in Vancover and volunteers as a docent at the Evergreen. Thanks for sharing.

(o{}o)