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Just an update on the clipper not much done since my last post it has been so hot this summer hopefully we are in the cool for good and I can get some work done to the clipper before the snowfalls! I found a battery less expensive than the Napa and others I have found! It is a Rural King(I was on vacation in central IL last week and they had a rural king) part # CTF3EH 850CCA for just $69! It fits the lower tray great and the top hold down is snug but it fits the length is perfect and the height is slightly taller that the original. I have attached a picture. I also went to country classic cars in Staunton IL no Packards this trip but they have many classic cars great place to take a few hours and wonder around! But while there I did find to advertisements for my car as well that I bought. I attached pictures of them too! Now I have found a place to chemically dip the gas tank I am planning to replace the fuel line rebuild or have the carb and the fuel pump rebuilt. That brings me to a question should I get kits for both and do them myself or pay to have them rebuilt? I would prefer to rebuild myself but I have done small ATV carbs and such but never a car carb. How hard is it to do should I tackle it myself and save the difference it would have cost me to have them rebuilt to use on future projects? I would like to attempt it but don't want to mess it up any good resources to follow showing the steps for the rebuild? Classic preservation has instructions with the kit for $68 anyone used them are they a good guide? Thanks for the advice and input many thinks are running through my mind before I try to start her after her many years sleep!

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Since I was posting today I realized I never posted pics of the my clipper being pulled out of her resting place from her 47 year nap. Just going through my stuff to get some motivation to get out in the cold and get working on what I can. 2013 is hopefully going to be a year of great progress for the old girl!

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more pics

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Andy, Love these kind of finds and photos are great!! Is the license plate Illinois or Wisconsin? I live in Northern Illinois and remember some year Illinois plates were green and white. Good luck with restoration--keep in touch.

It still has 1965 IL plates on it i am watching ebay for a matching pair of 1941 IL plates to have on it when it is restored! The car has always been in Chicago it had a 1957 Chicago botanical gardens card flower show card under the seat. It also has a Chicago parking sticker from the 50's in the windshield. It was just something I had to have after learning some of the background! I have a copy of the IL title to it is really small and weird looking! She is gunna keep me busy but if you ever want to get together to talk packards I would love to meet some packard people in my are!

Andy, Great car, and it looks like you have a long road ahead of you. First thing I would do is make a plan of attack and a good place to start is athttp://www.packardclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=859
This is a very good stating place, also check out my project car athttps://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=10768&forum=10
I have gotten a lot of good information from the gang here, there's Dallas, Dave, PackardV8, Owen_Dyneto and if I missed anyone, sorry!
I see you have already gotten a battery, but don't try to use it yet. First thing is , can you turn the engine over by hand? If not than you will need to look at freeing up the engine.
So keeps us informed and I'm sure we as a group can give you plenty of advice and hopefully this will make the job easier and more enjoyable.
Wes

Where are you located? I'm in Northern Illinois and have been around these cars for too many years to remember. If you want ,you can PM with phone number.

Ok it has been a long and busy winter just not busy for the Packard. The Packard was in hibernation all winter in the garage and not really touched since fall. yesterday she got a new set of tires and i love how she is looking! I think I may drop the gas tank today and maybe pull the carb and fuel pump for rebuilding! Hopefully this is the start of a successful and productive summer for her!

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Those are some lovely black walled tires

Andy:

I think you have a great car there. For a good vantage point about a total restoration by a creative, economically sound individual, I'd suggest you check out "Henry's 55 Constellation. Hank is restoring a 1955 Clipper Constellation that was apparently in worse shape than what you have. Hank has done an amazing job and really gets into the details of the process, not to mention the fact that I think he's a great guy and truly innovative.

Looking at the photos, I was particularly impressed with the interior. More often than not, barn finds often attract mice or other critters, while the fabrics and plastics rot away. Is that the original interior? I don't see a woman who bought the car in 1960 and stashed it away a few years later spending the time and money on a new interior.

Good luck on your car and I look forward to reading about its progress.

Craig