52 Packard 200

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Hello. I haven't owned a Packard since 1970. I've reviewed the forum and have a few questions about my 52 (327/3sp/od). There is a glass bottle on the firewall with copper lines going to the base of the carb. Some form of cold wx starting aid? Are P235/70R15, or P225/75R15 tires the way to go for replacing the bias ply? The windshield has a 7" vertical crack - Any replacements out there? In the glovebox is an interesting item, the orig sales contract. How about this item: 155 H.P. Engine, extra $145(!!!) Thanks.

[52deluxe]

i just e-mailed you to let you know about this forum "i guess you found it." i would guess this is a marvel mystry oiler, injects small amounts of oil to help with top end luberication.

just a thought stampsandstuff

[Guest]

Yes I agree. this sounds like a Marvel Mystery Oil top oil devise. Not a bad idea to keep and use.

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Thanks for the info. I also followed the advice of another poster re the Auto Zone air cleaner. It went on fine and keeps me from fooling with the oil-bath air cleaner. I'm replacing all the vacuum lines to the brakes - thats fun. The previous owner said that the vacuum advance wasn't working, still there were times on the interstate when I hit 70 just to keep from being run over.

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Appreciate the explanation of "vacuum advance". Always been one of my weak pts. I did notice a rubber hose connection between two pieces of metal vacuum line. I test drove the car today, after new plugs, new treadle-vac hoses, adjusted the clutch, new aircleaner. I must say, the old girl really accelerates. Kind of reminds me of the Buick Century - big eng in small body. I was surprised to see a big puff of blue smoke when I first started up. Never noticed it before (the old plugs were brown and dry). No visible smoke (to me), after a few minutes.

[6219_Rules]

That is probably a little oil getting into the cylinders. It can be an issue, but I found recently what I thought was a real bad problem, turned out to be an over-enthusiastic owner putting too much oil in! <sheepish grin>. I have no doubt the engine will need to be overhauled to replace rings, seals and valves after sitting for 40 some years but other than that it runs like a top!

I have found an occasional dose of non-lead substitute works wonders for engine noise.

Just my observations....I would love to see pictures of your car. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest JT]

The main function of vacuum advance is fuel economy (low throttle levels). It responds to engine load and provides additional advance at speeds above idle except when accelerating (full throttle, it then retards by return spring). The vacuum advance unit has no effect at wide open throttle but always has some advance at other trottle positions.

The 1940 120 Packards that had Autolite distributors used no vacuum advance and only had built in mechanical advance (springs & weights) which had more advance than the mechanical part of the 41 distributor (that did have vacuum advance).

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Appreciate all the comments. I have photos at

http://photos.yahoo.com/rdokk

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Yes, this car has rubber front mats and a somewhat flimsy rear carpet. The seats are still covered with orig seat covers with the exception of the drivers seat back. I'm undecided whether to remove the other seat covers. The previous owner said that the aftermarket AC works. Haven't tried it out. Didn't remember that they made 6V ACs. Its a "Climatic Air Classic". The original Iowa owner liked aftermarket mods. He also installed the Marvel oil top lube, and a panel labeled "Redi-Warm", with a push button and rheostat. The wiring attached to the starter I believe. The wiring was hanging loose so I removed it. Amazing how many changes happen over the space of 51 years. (Wonder what other surprises await me).

[Guest Albert]

I know Kanters have windshelds but they start at $350 plus shipping and it bes to get a new gasket as well, there is a auto scrap yard not far from Toronto that has a 52 and a 53 packard with a good windshield but not sure how much they want. I spent the weekend doing a valve job on the 54 Patrica and it now wants to start with gas down the carb, hoping to hook up the fuel pump to a jerry can an see if it runs that way next, then do the brake lines and pull the wheels.

[Guest]

BigDokk:I looked at the pictures of your 52 Packard, seems like you have a real nice car. It just got to me thinking since its a two door you might have a pretty rare Packard there. I doubt that the production numbers where that high in the first place for 200 series two doors. I just wonder how many are around today? Is the color of your car Polaris Blue? It nice of you to come into the forum and share your Packard with us.

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

(forgot my password!)The internet is amazing. A person told me about a man who knows a man - who has Packard windshields - and only 1.5 hrs from me! My car is now in Syracuse, NY having a new windshield fitted. The price was very fair. This shop also works on other old cars, (there's a 57 Caddy in for new glass). Contact Joe @ 315-422-3075 if you need glass. My car is painted "Labrador Gray" code D. What are the large numbers on the firewall - drivers side. Mine are B57083. Have a great thanksgiving!

[Guest imported_BigDokk]

Thought I'd wrap up this thread. Today I picked up my 200 at the glass shop in Syracuse. I couldn't be happier. The old plain glass - cracked, chipped, was replaced with a beautiful tinted windshield. Also, a new passenger door vent glass was installed. I drove home - for an hour in moderate rain - No Leaks! I'm still pinching myself over the price. I've had a lot of old cars in my 66 yrs, but none of them was a better road car than this. Power, stability, (heater!), couldn't ask for anything better. I got what I wanted for Xmas!