WCraigH

The first of three major updates to the Packard V-8 Club website is now online! Here's the direct URL: Packard V-8 Club You can also access it from the front page of my Panther website. In either case, you may have to click on your browser "update" button, e.g., two blue circling arrows on Firefox location bar, to see the updated page. Member's only content is still password protected. The password should have been emailed to you when you joined the club. This password is [color:"red"] NOT the same as your personal password that you entered when you joined the MSN Group for <span style="font-style: italic">The Packard V-8 Club</span> If anyone is a member and does not have the correct password, email me ASAP. Anyone who is not yet a member of the Packard V-8 Club, join by clicking on "Introduction" link, scroll down on that page and click on "Click here to join". It is free and fun! In the next few days, I'll be posting two more major updates: the adaption of the Olds High Volume oil pump and many pictures from the 1st Packard V-8 Club Meet held in Pahrump, NV during May 20 thru May 26.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm still looking for info about logging on (snip) </div></div> Anybody having trouble logging onto the Packard V-8 Club website, email me ASAP. Plus, I'll be uploading the first of a series of major updates to that website sometime tomorrow. I'll start a new thread on it with complete info. Joel & Paul: your T-shirts went out today via USPS.

Randy, Hey USPS Priority Mail only took 2 days! That's pretty impressive for $4.05 (+$0.94 mailer)! You, Brian, Bernardi, Joel and any other PV8C members present at the PAC National Meet should make sure to get a group pic together wearing your T-Shirts. Bernardi & Joel: got your checks today, in the USPS tomorrow! Only a few XLs from the 1st run left. Git'm while the gittin' is good! I don't know how long it will be before the next run of T-shirts (with all sizes and colorfast).

It is my observation that after the recent "upgrade", the response is definitely slower. But, hey, isn't that what "upgrades" are for? Just ask Microsoft! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Obviously an intermittant short. When does it blow? Only when T-L working? If so, working in which direction? If not, does it blow when the T-L is switched off? Do you have a DPDT-type manual control switch on it? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Joel and anybody else who wants one of these first-run T-shirts, email me at wcraigh@sbcglobal.net. I'll respond with total price and snail mail address for your check.

Kev, what you and those who have contributed are doing is great! Email me and let's put links back and forth between your website and the PV8C & Panther websites. --Craig

Thanks to Tom Guthrie of Montana Promotional Designs in Pahrump, NV for ensuring that the first-run of T-shirts was available in time for the PV8C meet! After dark on Sunday night, we managed to get this picture of five sunburned and tired PV8C members proudly wearing their new T-shirts: Left-to-right: Paul Cornwell, Roy Crunk, Craig Hendrickson, Eric Boyle and Kevin Gillooly.

There are eight (8) XL-size T-shirts available at this time from the first production run. The unique Packard V-8 Club logo is printed on the front: Thanks to Brian Harpst for the graphic artwork. Eric & I collaborated with Brian to fine tune the layout. The price is $25.00 each plus shipping (approx $5.00 - $15.00 depending on how you want it shipped). These T-shirts are all cotton and due to the rush job to have them ready by the PV8C meet, the logo is [color:"red"] NOT colorfast. Wash in cold water, no bleach and air dry on a hanger. So far, I have these DF members responding that they want a T-shirt: John Shireman, Brian Harpst, Lloyd Smith, Bernardi, and Randy Berger. Please email me if you want one of these first-run XL-size shirts. Personal checks are OK. Color-fast T-shirts in all sizes and front/back variations will be available soon as finances allow and responses indicate.

My CA 1956 400 is never going anywhere but will live on in parts contributed to other Packards. Like Eric's 56 Pat, my Panther, KevinAZ's 1955 400, maybe one of Jack Vines projects and even local car restorer-friend Dean's whatever (he has dibs on any sheetmetal not otherwise dibbed). If a car is "going out", then IMHO, this is a better way to go than being sent to the crusher.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">or the bodys in the trunk.. </div></div> or the extra oxygenated-iron (rust) on the body like my CA 1956 400. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Of course, it's a lot lighter now that it doesn't have a front clip, interior or engine/T-U anymore thanks to the efforts of the Packard V-8 Club. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I daresay that the unsolicited opinion of all attendees of the first national Meet of the Packard V-8 Club held at Craig's place in Pahrump, NV is that the event was a spectacular success! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Everyone had a great time each day from the moment the day started (about 5AM or 6AM) until that day's activities ended (about midnight or 1AM)! Neither I nor Eric (Turbopackman) had any spare time to make a meaningful post here about what was going on. We took hundreds of pictures, which we shall more thoroughly organize later, but in this post I'll try to give everyone an idea of some of the activities. Here's some statistics: A total of 16 adults, 2 teenagers and 2 children participated, most for at least 2 days: 12 on Saturday, 17 on Sunday and 7 on Monday. Geographically, 2 were from CA, 1 from AZ, 2 from KS and the rest from NV. I don't think that's too bad for an event announced virtually at the last minute and hosted by an old batchelor. Coincidentally, Saturday, May 20th was my 61st birthday and I've never enjoyed a birthday more! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Activities started at dawn Saturday by starting disassembly on my rusty 1956 400 2dr HT, a recent "parts car" acquisition from the CA mountains (Crestline in SoCal). On Tuesday morning, Eric is removing the final part he needs from the stripped 400 (intermediate pictures of the disassembly to follow in another post): Later in the morning on Saturday, Paul's spectacular 1956 Exec arrives at the meet: Mere seconds afterward, this happened: Later on Saturday, Eric cuts out a cardboard template for his Supercharger bracket: More pictures and activity descriptions to follow. Right now it's Tuesday morning and we're all hung over and tired, but smiling. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Craig P.S. No Packard V-8 Club members were hurt in the making of this post!

Lloyd, sorry you can't make the trip. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> T-shirt is reserved (what size?) as is your place on the waiting list for oil pump conversion kit. We'll hoist a cold one to ya! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

For KevinAZ's 352+0.125 engine (whose assembly will be featured at the PV8C meeting this weekend), Kevin & I also had concerns about getting his pistons from Egge. After Kevin talked to them on the phone for quite a while, he was convinced that their pistons would be OK for his application (stock, not HiPerf). I have them here in prep for the assembly and the quality and machine work looks fine. The block was bored for stock 374 size with clearance of 0.0025in. Kevin's engine will be back on the road soon in his 55 400. We'll update everybody on success or problems as time goes along.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like I cannot make it after all, my job is going to require me to be around this weekend. :-( Sorry <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> </div></div> Too bad, we were looking forward to meeting a fellow Packard owner/enthusiast in person. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> On the other hand, somebody will probably eat your share of the BBQ and drink your share of the beer! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> There will be two versions of this adaption of the Oldsmobile High Volume oil pump to the Packard V-8. Both versions will be for sale at a modest profit for the PV8C and machinest. (snip)</div></div> Update on this: There will also be at least two plumbing options for the full-flow conversion varient. An "expensive" one using AN-type fittings and an "inexpensive" one using brass and hose. There could be a third varient using tube, but apparently the price of copper tubbing has skyrocketed recently (WAY more than gasoline), due to whatever. The first two varients on the fullflow configuration (no varient on stock bypass setup) will also be shown at the Packard V-8 Club meeting in Pahrump! Estimate prices on both and varients will be forthcoming after the meet.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not a member of the Packard V-8 club, Straight 8 in my 53. Would I still be welcome to join in without being a member??? </div></div> Absolutely! Maybe we can talk you into becoming a member once you're at the meet! Email me for local directions, etc. Craig

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can I ask how many Packards are going to show up? </div></div> Three (Craig's 55 Pat & 56 400 & Paul's 56 Exec) or four (Dave S's 56J stored locally) or five (maybe Roy C's 56 400 will make it from CA). Craig's 56 400 parts car will be disassembled during the meet as one of the club projects. Eric's 56 Pat will remain parked in KS as it is too far to drive. Kevin's 55 400 is apart in Tucson, but his engine will be at the meet and the center of attention for many reasons. Additionally, there should be another 8 or more PV8C members (registered and honorary) attending at one time or another who do not own Packard V-8s. These people are enthusiastic mostly local supporters of Packards in general, Packard V-8s and the club. Owning a Packard V-8 automobile is [color:"red"] NOT a requirement for membership in the Packard V-8 Club.

Another activity has been added to the PV8C meeting: Demonstration (by Craig, who wrote it) of Packard V-8 specific drag race and top speed "what if?" calculator. This runs on a browser from the PV8C website. You'll need to be a member of the PV8C to access this program and have Java Script enabled in your browser. This simulator will indicate what results in 1/8-mile drag, 1/4-mile drag and absolute top speed contest one could expect from changing engine performance, transmission type and ratios and rear end ratios on a 1955-56 Packard V-8. Craig will demonstrate, explain the theory and implementation and discuss its accuracy. In any case, it's fun and alot cheaper than actually doing the mods. This event will happen when it's too hot outside (95F temps expected in the afternoon) and before loosing everybody's ability to focus due to "refreshments". <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You mention the odls-hybird oil pump is this the first one?? can I purchase one ?? </div></div> There will be two versions of this adaption of the Oldsmobile High Volume oil pump to the Packard V-8. Both versions will be for sale at a modest profit for the PV8C and machinest. The first version adapts the stock Olds HV pump to the Packard rear main cap in the stock location. This is a bolt-on which could be done with the engine in the car. The stock bypass oil filter is retained. The second version adapts a modified Olds HV pump for the additional purpose of fitting a full-flow oil filter. This version requires modifying the engine block, therefore the engine MUST be out of the car and disassembled. There are several extensive threads on this DF on the subject, much of which lead to this development. Both setups will be debuted at the Packard V-8 Club meeting. Pictures and text will be posted on this DF and the PV8C website after that. Completed kits will be available in the months that follow. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW when is the 2nd meeting going to be held ?? </div></div> None are planned at this time, but maybe Brian H or Randy B will host one back east! <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about a video of the meet ?? it would be great for instalation of the various updates , who knows maybe you guys will be the Discovery Channel ?? </div></div> There will be innumerable digital pictures thoroughly documenting all events. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">HAVE A GRAEAT TIME!!!!!!!!!! </div></div> Plan on it! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Craig - How can I print the picture of the broken mount? I can copy the text, but not he picture. </div></div> Try right mouse click, select "Save image as...", choose a hard disc location. Once it's on your local computer, print that image using whatever application (word processor or image viewer) your usually use to print images.

I recommend that everybody with a 55-56 Torsion-Level Packard should check their GP 15.992 "Rear support arm & shock absorber bracket assy." Here's what the right one looked like on my 55 Pat yesterday: Removal and repair are straight forward. When removing this plate, you [color:"red"] MUST support with a jack stand the lower torque arm close to the axle [color:"red"] NOT the rear axle tube itself! Supporting it that way will keep the torque arm and axle tube in contact once the U-bolt is loose. Also, spray penetrating fluid on the U-bolt threads and nuts before unbolting. Also unbolt the shock from the plate (at the bottom). To repair, just weld the two parts back together. Also, grind off the slag where the bracket fits up against the rubber pad(s). In the case above, the bracket edge was bent outward so that had to be "persuaded" back straight. The left side bracket was split alongside both bolt holes, but it was still more or less in 1 piece. I also removed that one and welded the split back together. Hint: reattach the rear shock mount before pushing the plate back into place on the U-bolts. On the Packard Engineering chat the other night, Turbopackman (Eric) stated that the left rear bracket on his 1956 Pat had also broken. He fixed it the same way.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sounds like a great get together you have lined up Craig. I'm keeping it at the top until it's over. Wayne </div></div> Thanks for the support, Wayne! For those that cannot attend in person, I'll be posting pics on this DF and the Packard V-8 Club website so that you can be there [color:"red"] VIRTUALLY! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> (snip) After the meet, I am sure you will post a few teasers here, but suspect you will have a dedicated page at the club website with many more pix. I'm really looking forward to seeing the club T-shirt, but wouldn't dare ask you to spoil its exclusive premier at the meet. </div></div> Thanks Brian! You have been a big help to the start of this club as well as Eric & I! I'll post a few teasers on this DF, but will post lots of pix on my website at the conclusion of the 'meeting'. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Okay, but those Big Holes in firewall are Not easy to Fill and make it look good. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I've seen some that used bolts with large washers to plug the holes and that's okay, but it still looks like pluged holes. The spring-clip type hole-plugs (goof-plugs) probably look the best (if painted same color as firewall) but they don't make an air-tight seal and need RTV on inside of firewall. </div></div> Local friend Dean recently restored a 1937 Buick 4dr. The previous owner had plugged holes in the firewall with wine bottle corks! Creative, but ridiculous. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />