Paul 1956 Exec Project Update

[WCraigH]

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="" />

[WCraigH]

<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.

[Tom M]

I second the "SUHWEEET!!!"

Wish I had the time and ambition to get mine started for a repaint. I don't like to see car sit still for long periods of time.

[Guest Randy Berger]

Great looking engine compartment and Brian's query has me rotflmao!

Paul is obviously no novice at re-engineering.

YFAM, Randy Berger

[Guest JT]

Craig, Very nice! I look forward to Paul's project shots on your website.

[WCraigH]

<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="" />

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

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.

I am also looking into the possibility of 'fabricating' (Jerry rigging) the T-Ultra oil pan spacer adapter.

As for lowering my Executive its already low enuf, at least for a third class, 1st rate, white trash, country red neck like me. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

[WCraigH]

OK, those sharp-eyed guys out there, on other side of the engine, what is this belt-driven accessory:

[Tom M]

Power Steering?

[WCraigH]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Power Steering? </div></div>

Half right.

[Tom M]

I Bet it probably has something to due with the dreaded power brake system on them there cars.

[WCraigH]

<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.

[WCraigH]

<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.