WCraigH
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Posts posted by WCraigH
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">(snip)...Oh yeah i had the electric fan on and it almost got up too 240 that was also almost 90 degree's out and almost stopped traffic too... So i guess im going to look for a custom rad for ir this year to keep it cooler,anyone know where to get one? </div></div>
I've been in 115F in stop & go in Las Vegas with my 1955 Pat and its stock radiator without getting anywhere near 240F. I'd say, get yours cored out. You also need an electric fuel pump and an external tube-style tranny cooler if you're going to drive it in those conditions.
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Pierce66: please delete this irrelevent post out of my thread.
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Hey Packard53. Pierce66 is the same ol' PFH, which we should all ignore. If we do that, then he will "go away", if not by his own volition, but by the moderator's choice. If you want to have a heated conversation with PFH, please do it off line and not clutter up this forum with same.
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The 1956 Clippers had 352CID engines, Torsion-Level and the new for 1956 Dana 44 rear axle assembly. All of these are retrofitable to 1955-56 Seniors. Some 1955-56 might have manual transmissions with O'drive which would be another possibility to replace the problematic Twin-Ultramatic. Front windshields fit all 1955-56 except for Caribbean. Power windows that [color:"red"] work can also be fitted to 1955-56 Juniors and Seniors with broken electric motors.
There's probably more that would be "worth it", if the price were right.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1. Packard head intake ports. I just had the stock Packard intake ports compared to a professionally ported Pontiac 421 head. The Packard head out-flowed the Pontiac. The difference was when an intake was added. There are many Pontiac aftermarket intakes with years of development behind them. The good aluminum intakes only dropped the Pontiac flow by 15%. The stock iron Packard intake dropped the Packard flow by 25%.</div></div>
I completely agree. Several years ago, I had the worn out head off my 55 Pat flow tested by Pete MCCarthy, probably the foremost Pontiac Engine historical performance expert in the world and also an old racing buddy of mine. That head flowed about the same as a 1963 421 HO or 1964 GTO Pontiac head. Yup, the intake manifold is obviously the problem.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2. Big Bloc Mopar intakes have the ports slightly closer together, but that is not the deal-breaker. They have a 70 degree mating angle, while the Packard uses 90 degrees. I cut the Mopar intake into four sections, aligned everything and welded it back together. This requires remachining the carb mounting surface, welding a new plate on top and drilling/taping new holes. After all this work, it still does not flow as well as it did on the Mopar. Next time I would build a sheetmetal manifold.</div></div>
Interesting info. I did a similar thing in the 1970s to adapt an Edelbrock SBC "tunnel ram" intake to a 1956 Pontiac with 1970 Ram Air IV heads. Similar problem with intake surface angle between the SBC and Pontiac. See this for the result:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3. Exhaust ports are still the weak link. The engine is so wide, there is no room left for efficient headers. On a '56J, the front two cylinders almost hit the inner A-arms. Without cutting into the fenderwells. headers don't fit.</div></div>
On the 1955-56 T-L Packards it appears that the T-L bar and link are in the way so that even "block hugger" type headers are not really feasible.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">4. The Packard can be made to run with any original '56 block/head US V8 out there, but it will cost more to make it happen than would the Chrysler or Cadillac - the only real competition back then.</div></div>
Putting aside the $$$$, what about having a cylinder head with the same bore spacing (5") CNC machined by one of the top aftermarket suppliers? That way, it would have the latest technology, yet bolt right up to the Packard V-8. Oops, that doesn't solve the header interference problem.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">(snip) Obviously you haven't done it for gain, but I, for one, would like to express appreciation monetarily as well as verbally.
From the number of "hits" the postings get, it appears that our numbers are not great. $5 each might bring in $100, it might even bring in $500 (highly doubtful). </div></div>
Although I wouldn't mind $500 "falling out of the sky", the website costs me nothing because it is hosted by an old professional acquaintance. I am the webmaster, so at the going rate for personally restoring cars (maybe $0.10/hr) extrapolated to the web work...nah, nevermind!
The actual compensation is the many internet-based Packard friends I now have. A few of whom I've actually met face-to-face like KevinAZ, Paul in Vegas and Roy from CA. They've all physically helped me at one time or another on one of my Packard projects.
So, if you're ever in town (or nearby Las Vegas), drop by and be prepared to turn a wrench. Thanks for the $$$ thought anyway.
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Albert, where's your Packard amongst the brood?
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From the pics, your Clipper looks to be in the "spirit of" the period customs. It looks "fine", as they used to say. I agree with Brian, get it in a garage ASAP.
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I made a minor update today. I added 7 pictures to:
Fellow Enthusiast's 1955-56 Packards
and 2 pictures to:
Fellow Enthusiasts pre-1955 Packards
On both pages, click on the [color:"orange"]Updated icon to go directly to the new pictures.
Enjoy! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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In the spirit of putting to rest the ersatz 1965 Packard V-12 (See Almost perfect Cormorant Published ), there have been design studies, commissions and other "What If?" imaginary Packards rendered over the years. Without much trouble, I found two in past issues of the self-same Cormorant.
A Brooke Stephens commission which looks a lot like a Lincoln Continental:
Dick Teague's "Last Design" of a 1992 Caribbean(no "oxbow"! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />)
Anybody have any more? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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At long last, I got around to updating my Panther Project website. Click on the date to see what's new and what's updated. Also, click on 'Paul's Exec' to see more photos and info on his car.
Feedback welcome.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">(snip) However, the dimension listed for the Group 29NF in the current chart doesn't jibe with what you have listed for the "Everstart Extreme" on your Panther site. </div></div>
I found the BCI chart with a Google search, so I cannot vouch for its accuracy. The Wal-Mart "Everstart Extreme" dimensions are actual and IMHO fits the stock battery tray and hold down perfectly without any mods. Also, as I mentioned previously, installing it with the logo towards the fender provides a plain battery case appearance. In this orientation, the battery posts are on top towards the inside, with the negative post forwardmost. There is no clearance problem with the hood. The Pep Boys battery cables listed on my site connect cleanly with this battery.
Since one picture is worth 1,000 words (excuse the Nevada desert dust; I just snapped this pic this AM without any prep):
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Thanks Joel!
Of course we also need an X-ref for other years prior to 1955. Someone else suggested same and it was a terrific idea.
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As many of you know, I am updating my Panther Project website to include some new projects for it like the adjustable T-L front links and the remote full flow oil filter. I'll also have a separate (non-Panther) section on Paul-Las Vegas 1956 Exec resto-"what if" project.
Finally, I've incorporated most parts and numbers from the excellent 1955-56 Crossref thread on this site into the 'Crossref' section of my site. This is to reorganize it in a hopefully more useful way since the original postings are in encounter-sequential order.
I'd appreciate it if those who are interested and can handle the detail will review my update on this particular topic and provide corrections and feedback.
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With negative ground on my 55 Pat, the Wal-Mart "Everstart Extreme" logo faces the fender, so the viewable side is "plain". However, I agree that they don't last more than 3 years, no matter what you do in terms of disconnect or trickle charge. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
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Here are all the battery group external sizes. See group 29 and 60 in particular:
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Craig, What kind of radiator will he be using???? I would like more info on the 'LV Special' rad u have in the Pat. IS it X-flow??? Al???? I mite be interested in haveing one made for mine.(snip)</div></div>
Keith: believe it or not, the radiator in my 55 Pat is [color:"red"] stock! It handles 115F stop & go driving no problemo. But, my Pat does not have A/C.
The Panther radiator is specially fab'd by Motor Mission Radiator. They used the top & bottom tanks and recored the rest. I can't remember the details, except that it was expensive. I plan to have A/C on the Panther, and that was the reason for it.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's easy - it's the "Perc-o-matic" coffeemaker and dispenser system"!(snip)</div></div>
<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If you knew how much Paul loves his coffee, this is actually a good, but Rube Goldberg-ish, guess!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Seriously, the upper hose, pointing to the rear, has me wondering if this pump is part of some implementation of a hydrovac power brake system. (snip)</div></div>
and
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I Bet it probably has something to due with the dreaded power brake system on them there cars. </div></div>
Indeed! There ain't no stinkin' <span style="font-weight: bold">Bendix Treadle Vac</span> on this here Packard.
This is a re-engineered (of course) hydraulic pump off a 1972 Lincoln Continental which powers both the power steering and the power brakes, just as it did on the Lincoln. The firewall-mounted power brake and the adapted steering box is also off the lincoln, as shown here:
This is not an adaption for the inexperienced nor the faint hearted since the frame, the steering column and the steering linkage all had to be modified. But it essentially works the same as the Lincoln, so it will be reliable and safe.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Power Steering? </div></div>
Half right.
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OK, those sharp-eyed guys out there, on other side of the engine, what is this belt-driven accessory:
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">(snip) Yet, I gotta ask, are there any plans to lower the car/suspension??? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>
LOL! Actually, 20-30 years ago when Paul was using his Exec every day as a work car, he [color:"red"] LENGTHENED the front T-L links to get the ride height back up to stock because he was always carrying around 1,000lb of tools in the trunk. So, it seems that if if one wanted to lower one's T-L Packard, then just throw many hundreds of pounds of scrap steel in the trunk until you get it where you want it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Although I plan on keeping my Packards as close to bone stock as possible, I gotta say, "<span style="font-style: italic">SUHWEEET!!!</span>" </div></div>
Paul is an innovative, master craftsman and a heck of nice guy on top of that. This will be one awesome Packard when he gets done and it ain't no hot rod.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yet, what's the "accessory" located below the alternator and right of the crank pulley?</div></div>
Sharp eyes Brian! That is the pneumatic pump to actuate the clutch and shifter! This adapation is amazing. Paul uses the <span style="font-style: italic">piano</span> (push button shift) to control the shifting of the 3-speed manual transmission. I'll have pics of this on my website, but to see it in operation is a [color:"red"] wow.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also, any plans to fab a bat-wing style air cleaner (to pay homage to the old '55-'56 Caribbean unit), but with low-profile housings with dry paper elements in place of the oil-bath pots that would otherwise hide the engine? </div></div>
How about this instead?
Even though it's difficult to make out amongst all the chrome, the intake manifold is polished!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Well, this is an example of some very well thought out and well-crafted work - serious stuff that beats all the rice-grinding, neon-lit, tub-thumping garbage you see at so many cruise-ins these days. </div></div>
Totally agree. The outside and interior will be totally stock looking, except for 1956 Caribbean hood and wire wheels.
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Packard-buddy Paul in Las Vegas is making great progress on his 1956 Executive project...AND it will be something special. I will be creating a special section on my Panther website to fully document his project. In the meantime, here's a <span style="font-style: italic">teaser</span> shot taken recently of his nearly completed engine without the front clip.
Take a close look at the details. There's lots of neat stuff to see. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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Query OR vs AND. This is why everyone loves Google.
I think this is Good.
in Packard
Posted
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah i know i need a better trans cooler but to be honest with you i want to do the 727 trans swap for the 3 speed and the reliablity of the chrysler trans(snip)</div></div>
I'm investigating another way to do a trans swap. I'll keep you guys updated over the next several months.