55PACKARD Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...52&rd=1Oh boy i guess someone had the same idea i have. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Hey guys go shoot him he ruined a Packard................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RO Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 No bids! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 18, 2004 Author Share Posted August 18, 2004 Oh well on the bids...But at least it has a small bock so it can be done thats my insperation to do it....... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 '55Still gotta say, just because it can be done is not to say it should be, or that it would be in your best interests.It's possible to put a Flying Lady hood ornament on a Corvette, too. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> And you know what? I bet somebody's done it. That wouldn't inspire you, would it? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...52&rd=1Oh boy i guess someone had the same idea i have. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Hey guys go shoot him he ruined a Packard................... </div></div>Yep, looks like he did ruin a Packard?..not even one bid! Looks like an otherwise nice car?I?ll bet it would have sold with the stock motor.No need to shoot him, he already shot himself in the foot with the SBC conversion. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 it just proves that there is always someone out there that will take a silk purse and make a pigs butt-hole out of it. sounds a lot like a 12 year old, "see daddy i told you that you were wrong" and all along i thought he was outta here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Just as a comparison?..here is a similar car that SOLD for $8600 with the original driveline intact. By most price guides, a ?54 2 door should fetch a higher price than a ?51 4 door all things being equal (read: STOCK MOTOR & TRANS).http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...me=STRK:MEWA:IT <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 I saw that eBay Packard, and thought it was a nice car. I cannot imagine why a engine swap should make it unsellable. Basically, I feel the original is far better just on principle but if the engine and tranny were kept, then it could be restored. Now I do have a question (and I do not mean it to sound derogatory) about the Clipper brand. Was it the low end model? It seems to me that it was pretty plain and uninspiring. The seats are monotone (yes I know they are worn) and it seemed kind of blah. What made this car special? Performance? Quality value? I thought they were supposed to be more unique and special. Anyone care to address this? I admit this is just my ignorance of the marque so please do not take it the wrong way. As for Packard55, I do not see what he might have said here or in the past that would ruffle feathers this way. Just curious...as a former administrator I am pretty keen on offenders so I wanted to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hi Randall,What makes the 2 door Plain Jane Clipper more valuable than a 4 door deluxe is supply & demand. Very few 2 door coupes were produced compared to the thousands of 4 door Clipper sedans.Re the engine swap, what would you think if you saw a nice ?57 Caddy Eldo and upon opening the hood discovered a late model Chebby V8? IMHO, a big part of the mystique, charm and value of these old cars is the vintage mechanicals. If I didn?t see the big caddy mill with 2 fours I?d say to myself??ho-hum, what a shame?. another mayonnaise on white bread SBC?.Look at the AC Cobras?. A brand new out of the box replicar is more reliable, practical and economical to drive than an original, but worth only about 10-15% as much. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hi Packard8,Thanks for the good response. Of course you are totally correct about the engine. Reliability is mostly dependant on how the engine is kept. I have found my 47's flathead V-8 is very reliable as long as you maintain it properly. And I would turn my nose up at a 47 sedan with a Pontiac V-8 and TH100 tranny. Why? Because if I wanted a modern car that looked like a 47, then I would do that, but I do not...I wanted a 1947 car. So yes I see why the CLIPPER coupe would be less desirable with a new small block chebby. As for the low numbers of coupes, that does not surprise me. The 47 series 62 and 61 coupes are highly prized over the lowly sedan. I have an Eldorado and love it but in all honesty prefer the sedans. Personally I liked the Packard coupe. But I would also like to see it restored to original if possible. Here is an instance of the misuse of the word 'restore' verses 'rebuild' *( please dont shoot me...I know this is a PHartmann issue but I think in this case he was right). The car was rebuilt to be used not restored. It is an excellent candidate for a project restoration since it does run and is in good condition. I would think it would be a good candidate for someone who is in the hobby but who has yet to get that special car. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Thanks again for your response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 18, 2004 Author Share Posted August 18, 2004 All I have to say isnt maybe its not a small block chevy in the Packard BUT maybe its just because it is a Packard did anyone think of that????NO and let me tell you something you think because it has a small block in it that it ruined the value I dont think so My friend has an awesome 51 merc that is kustom and what do you know it has a small block in it...And he didnt loose any value its probably worth an easy 20,000, so its just your opinion that it ruins value..I go to Ton and Tons of car shows and let me tell you there is alot of motor/trans swaps done I havent seen any of them ruined or there value go done....Oh yeah like i said before you dont like what im doing or dont like me thats fine but it is still MY PACKARD so i will do to it what i want and it will be a drivable go anywhere look awesome doing it to...so what if it has a small block in it it still has the looks the feel of a PACKARD..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 18, 2004 Author Share Posted August 18, 2004 Oh yeah and ban me for what because i want a small block in a Packard look who's being childish here now............................................................................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 55Packard, Seems to me, you're the person agitating on this forum. I'm sure these guys might have found your original post interesting, but to keep trying to rub their face in it is selfdefeating. You won't make any friends like that, sir! Just a reminder that these guys are Packard enthusiasts. Thanks, Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh yeah and ban me for what because i want a small block in a Packard look who's being childish here now............................................................................ </div></div>55PACKARD,Are you reading challenged? Look at the above post:A 1951 4 door with stock motor & trans just sold for $8600 on ebayA 1954 2 door (which should be worth more) with a Chebby V8 didn?t even get an opening bid.Doesn?t that tell you something? Like maybe Packard buyers aren't too impressed with Chebby conversions? Perhaps after a car is cobbled-up beyond all recognition of it?s origin it doesn?t matter anymore, but in this case it seems it did. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 18, 2004 Author Share Posted August 18, 2004 Yup i guess you can say that the 54 had no bids, but that doesnt mean anyone isnt going to buy it..I had my other car on 2 times before it sold...Oh but i forgot you guys are perfect you know ALL...............Packards are suposed to be stock you CAN NOT TOUCH THEM you must leave them alone...Who died and left you guys in charge with what people want to do with there cars,im sure there are people out there that look at your cars and go HO HUM...BORING at least my car gets alot of attention regardless what motor is in it OH by the way i never even opened the hood up at a car show and the people still like it ,they dont have to know whats under the hood........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Mercury Kustom vs a Packard, are you missing some brain cells breathing the toxic waste in joisies air. If you are going to make comparisons, compare apples to apples not apples to bird do-do. dropping a sbc into a mercuryand then lead-sledding maybe improved the, almost any kind of a swap would, but to swap out a packard for an sbcespecially one that has not been proven to be bad is just sheer bi-polar disorder. but you are right its your car and you have the right to be stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Wow and I thought you guys were all getting along after the long thread on lowering the car,Packard55, the whole point of clubs like the AACA and Packard Club is the preservation of the cars that remain. That does not mean modifying is bad but it runs contrary to the goals of these clubs. You knew this the moment you logged on...if not you should have...and you knew how these people feel about the Packard marque. I am a little at a loss as to why you take umbrage towards their obvious reactions. To each his own. I prefer to see my car as something I am custodian of rather than an owner of...but that is me. At any rate, a Packard like the one on eBay are not well known commodities, so it will not sell quickly and those who know the marque will be less likely to want to spend that kind of money knowing they will have to try and return it to original shape. Modify yours as you like and it will become an expression of you, but it will not be a Packard, simply another 50s car with a Packard badge. But do not expect collectors and enthusiasts to accept it. THat is just silly.That is my .02 centavos worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 eBay is funny. Just because that car got no bids doesn't mean that it didn't sell, or wouldn't get bids if they ran it say in a week or a month down the road. I've sold a couple of cars post-auction for the asking price because people didn't see them fast enough, or didn't want to mess with signing up to eBay to bid on them.So there's not much point to compare or debate on this... I mean, a car listing runs maybe 10 days max on eBay, and you really need more like 30 days on some of them to find the right guy. The only benefit to eBay is you might get two or three of the "right guy" all at once and they fight it out to your benefit in the $$$ department.As for the car, if you're going to mess up a Packard to put another motor in it then put something different in it - not another damn bellybutton SBC. How about a Mopar 440, a Buick Olds or Pontiac 455, Caddy 472/500, Ford 428, 429, 460, or .. imagine this, a Packard V8 into a straight-8 car? It's getting so that no matter how nice a car is, I immediately get bored by it when I see a small block chevy motor in it. Especially when they stick Olds Rocket valve covers or some other thing on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Seems to be a comprehension deficit at play here??..let me put it this way: Two similar cars in similar condition are offered on ebay at pretty much the same time (e.g. the same potential buyers are looking at both cars). The stock Packard sedan gets 1183 ?looks?, 11 bids and sells for $8600The modified Packrolet coupe gets 1154 ?looks? NO BIDS and does not sellI think that anyone with an IQ above room temperature would see a trend here?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seems to be a comprehension deficit at play here……..let me put it this way: Two similar cars in similar condition are offered on ebay at pretty much the same time (e.g. the same potential buyers are looking at both cars). The stock Packard sedan gets 1183 “looks”, 11 bids and sells for $8600The modified Packrolet coupe gets 1154 “looks” NO BIDS and does not sellI think that anyone with an IQ above room temperature would see a trend here…… <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>I think it's still comparing apples and oranges.The stocker appears to be more or less original, well cared for and well maintained, has some rare options and a history with it. This will increase the value of a car. Also, the 11 bids are because someone bid early an amount they thought would be enough to get it, someone else came along who had to have it and they alone bid 7 times in an effort to outbid the other party. It was started at $2000 and the reserve must have been met by that bidder early on, so whoever was high bidder would get the car at the end.The rodded car is not a very good auction. There is no mention of even what size small block - the things could come anywhere from a 260 smog motor to a 400, odds are it's a 350 but who knows? They make no mention of milage on motor, if it was rebuilt, who installed it, what transmission, if the car is converted to 12V, and so forth - a lot of questions I'd want answers for. There is no mention of history in the auction. The seller also has at least one negative feedback, which is a little worse than none at all when you're under 10. With an unknown reserve on this car, you could bid it up to $10,000 and still not actually win it, all on top of a higher open. So no one bid. I think it would have to either be started lower or started at the reserve price to sell. So you can try to compare the two cars, but there are too many other factors that can't be ignored in getting bids on the second car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 Well to the post earlier I own a Packard you have seen pictures of it and duh, on ebay there is a trick there im not the one stupid here ...You can have a friend or even yourself with a different e-mail address or ebay account bid on the car to make it look like there's action...So he might have done that..Ok it is a 12v system look at the alternator and you guys say i know nothing about cars???? Your right it would be nice to have a caddy or big ford motor or even a 440 chrysler but its hard to Fab up brakets especially since i found motor mount brakets that will work on the stock mounts where the Packard motor sits right to the 350...Hey my car runs ok except for the lifter noise and the vibration it has now which is only at 30 to 40 mph now weird, anyway i think it might stay stock for the rest of this season but over the winter i might do some mods....And to the post about merc's leadsleds switching to 350's ahh whats wrong with a flathead ford are you going to tell me there no good either..Alot of people switch to a 350 because its cheaper to run and maintain...Oh yeah Saturday we to Brooklyn to a car show i didnt take the Packard because of the vibration anyway my friends 60 impala's water pump went when we got there we called a Napa $38.00 dollars later walla new water pump had it on in 20 minutes so how could even tell me small blocks arent great I would have been stuck In NY because Napa wouldnt have had the water plus it aint no $38.00 bucks either so it would have cost me about 150.00 for the tow home plus whatever the pump cost so that could have cost me well over 300.00 dollars.My friend a total of 60.00 new water pump 2 gallons of antifreeze 20minutes later he was driving it again..So thats even more of a reason to swap out motors for the ease of fixing finding parts and being able to get back on the road in 20 minutes........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Pontiac59,I?ll agree that the ad for the ?54 coupe was not well presented. However, all of the missing info you point out could be easily had by just asking the seller?.IF anyone was at all interested in the car (and maybe they did ask but just didn?t like the answers!). I still find it significant that no one even threw out a low-ball bid on the car?.it appears to be a model 5497 Clipper Sportster?.... which is a fairly rare and desirable car.The real shame is that whoever yanked out the original driveline didn?t have the forethought to at least throw a tarp over it and save it for a future owner/restorer??. I?ll bet someone?s having second thoughts about that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Packard55: First of all anyone can post a picture of a car and claim to own it. Just because you posted some pictures of a Packard doesn't prove that you own it.Your just like alot peopel whom try to get into this hobby on a dime or nickle. They get in over thier heads and start worry about costs of things, because they didn't know what they where getting into in the first place.. You are the perfect example of this.The thing that your back side doesn't seem to comprehend is that WE DON'T CARE ABOUT TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT WHEN WE HAVE ENGINE TROUBLES WITH OUR PACKARDS AND AREN'T INTERESTED IN CONVERTING TO BRAND X ENGINES.The bottom line is this I grow tired of your baiting which is what you have done in creating this last thread. No one wants you to post in this forum any more. I know this might be kind of hard for you to understand since your shoe size and your IQ match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The thing that your back side doesn't seem to comprehend is that WE DON'T CARE ABOUT TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT WHEN WE HAVE ENGINE TROUBLES WITH OUR PACKARDS AND AREN'T INTERESTED IN CONVERTING TO BRAND X ENGINES. </div></div>Amen, can't say it any better than that! If I was worried about doing things on the cheap I'd be collecting Pintos, not Packards <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 Hey Packard53..Are you a jerk or what I OWN THAT CAR..look at the plate its form NJ look at the link it has my name Why do you think i would post someone's else's car...and if you want me banned or not to post here do something about it ....And dont say anything about my IQ you dont even know me........... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 55PACKARD, I know that we have been over this ground ad nauseum but you keep missing the point. If we/you want a reliable car that is cheap and convenient to repair then why buy and drive a Packard at all. Why not simply buy a Chevy (or if you want REAL reliability a Toyota) and let that be the end of it. I can't speak for anyone but me but I have been a Packard enthusiast since I was about 10 years old or in other words 50 years. I went to the Detroit Autoshow with my grandad ( who owned a '28 Packard 526 roadster) and on display was the 1955 Packard Patrician (I love that name) that was driven 25000miles averaging 104.737 Miles per hour. Pretty reliable if you ask me and it convinced me that Packard was the best and when I grew up the car I'd buy!No, owning and driving Packards isn't about cheap parts at the NAPA store. It is about owning one of the finest, perhaps the finest automobiles ever to be made anywhere in the world. I still marvel at the whisper quiet 356 CID straight eight with it's stump pulling torque that effortlessly propels my 1947 Super Clipper from a stop to over 100MPH in top gear. When I work on it I never cease to be amazed by the engineering, quality and attention to detail by the original assemblers which surpasses even my several Mercedes Benz cars and my 1947 Cadillac Series 75 Imperial limousine. Is owning a Packard worth what it costs to maintain and operate in order to drive the very best that America could ever produce? Well just "Ask the man who owns one" and the answer will be always be yes.BTW. I know you are not stupid since after all you did buy a Packard and that says a lot about your good sense. Name calling does show a lack of maturity however and not befitting a Packard owner. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 Hey Clipper47, I never never said anything bad about the CAR i just dont like the trans and the motor with there problems..So thats why im doing what i have to,make it the way i want SORRY and by no means am i cheap at ALL i built a 97 trans am LT1 the motor alone cost me over 10,000 so dont even go there with im cheap im smart not to waste my time with lifter problems and the problematic trans..Like i said i have nothing bad to say about the body or even the way the car was made just the MOTOR AND TRANS.....Sorry if i affend anyone but thats my opinion and im standing by IT........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 HEY i didnt start by saying anybody's IQ was small or as big as my shoes...I cant help it if i want to do this..I own the car not anyone here...All i said is the motor and trans are crap to my knowledge maybe you guys like tickering with it but i dont i would rather spend the money and do the swap and drive the hell out of it..Oh yeah i drive it alot not like you guys that drive it ocassionally..I go to alot of shows all over so i need it to be dependable.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 55,And once again, HOW many times on all those drives to shows have you needed a tow??? PLEASE answer this simple question. I really want to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 I had the car only 1 yr and its been problem after problem with the lifter noise and now this vibration..the car has only 53,000 miles on it im the second owner and it probably sat in a garage for yrs..i guess,it seems it good shape body and frame wise..Im afraid to drive it long or far I might get stuck who knows im not ready to hitch hike yet..I know other cars break...too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 It would seem to me this guy should sell the Packard and buy a Chevy, since what he wants is the perceived reliability and ease of replacing parts a Chevy would offer. His perception, that is. I'm sure you can sell that '55 for $10-$15K, go nab a '55 Chevy 2dr sedan for $3000 or so that's solid and put the rest of his money into finishing that. I mean.. if he's not afraid of spending $10,000 on a motor, then come winter why not get off your butt and rebuild the motor and trans that are in it now? So it sat for years - maybe what it needs is someone to take it out on a long drive instead of piddling around the block with it. Jeeze. I had a buddy with a Chevy 350 and he put a rod right through the pan in it, no warning whatsoever - they aren't all that.When I ran my '60 Pontiac as a daily driver, I carried spare parts with me just in case - starter, generator, etc. I bought a whole parts car for the stuff - I even used the tie rod off it when the ends on mine wore out. The water pumps for those are about $100 a shot from Kanter, the cheapo parts store ones only fit back to '65. I even took it out on a long drive after it was past the point it was reasonable to do it - never needed a tow truck. If something broke, it broke - I went through a lot of generator brushes - I just changed them on the spot.Thats just part of owning an old car and driving it regularly - like the Boy Scouts say, be prepared. Or else spend the bucks to have it redone right so you don't have to worry. If you want a street rod, buy a street rod. If you want a Packard, then deal with the problems - you could get that in any car, even the '89 Dodge I bought for a beater has been one thing after another - so was the 84 Buick before that. Eventually you catch up with all of them.Oh, on the eBay thing - did anyone take the time to ask? I didn't even bother to enlarge the engine photos to see the alternator on it. People seem to be lazy - you have to put as much in the title as possible to get them to look and then include everything you can in the auction... if I get 10 questions for 1000 hits, that's a lot. For whatever reason people don't want to ask about what's not right in front of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 55Packard: you are so intent on spewing forth with the trash mouth, that you are completely missing the point. you say the packard motor and trans is crap. what do you base this on? a little vibration, some lifter noise? You can get that out of any car, both of these symptoms can be caused by previous poor maintenence, out of balance tires, poor alignment, poor lifter adjustment. bottom line YOU DON'T KNOW. Let me put it this, if you had a tooth ache, would you go to the dentist and say "pull them all out and give me a full set of dentures"? I don't think so. So instead of wasting your time and ours, with these infantile postings, why don't you take the car to the nearest qualified mechanic and have him check it out. If you are close to Boonton, N.J. I'm sure that the Kanter brothers can help you out. If the mechanic comes back and says the motor and trans are too far gone for whatever reason, then you can do whatever is right for you for your car from a position of KNOWLEDGE, Right now you are clueless, and have an opinion based on nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 55PACKARD, I'm really beginning to think that you are just playing games with us. The car has a little lifter noise and a vibration! So what? So do 75 % of the cars and trucks on the road. I agree with AIK; go take it to someone who does have a clue and get an informed opinion...then come back,be civil and talk Packards and eventually the wetness behind your ears will dry off. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBL Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Hey...55Packard... aren't you on the HAMB? Check with those guys about a swap...I don't agree with the engines being crap...I think they're great...I'm gonna use mine everyday once I get other things squared away. I bet you the cars these guys have can be used everyday if they wanted to use them that way...maybe they don't want to have them getting hit by shopping carts and such. The tranny wasn't the best but there are other cars that had tech not work out the way they intended...throughout history. If you don't want the engine...I'm sure that someone here may be interested in taking it off your hands...but if you think that is going to stop your having to tinker by putting a totally different engine in the car...you might be mistaken...there is alot of planning that goes into it...It has taken my about 2 years to put a 1946 Ford Flathead into my 1930 Model A Frame with a 1926 Model T body and 1940 Ford Truck suspension..planning and work...and TIME. Good luck with your quest.TimMBL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Seems to me to be pretty much the same mentality that will buy a new fiberglass '34 Ford body, mount it on a new box frame, put a sbc in it, then apply for a vanity license plate that reads "CLASSIC". Some people are content with a Xerox of a Grand Master painting while others prefer the real thing. Bottom line is "you pays your money and you takes your chances". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I agree with Tim and others in that your "tinkering" is not going to go away with an engine /trans change. If you don't really enjoy tinkering you are probably in the wrong hobby. Since you're so intent on thinking the car is not reliable then maybe you should put your money towards the purchase of a new car with a warranty and free roadside service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Good point. Tinkering is part of the hobby?if you can?t do it yourself or afford to pay someone to do it for you you?ve chosen the wrong hobby?..buy a brand new Toyota Corolla and your worries are over. Also, Haggerty Ins Co offers a very reasonable roadside service contract that guarantees a tow with a flatbed roll-back if you should ever need it.I drove my ?63 Avanti for 55K miles over a two year period using it as my ?company car? (restoration costs then became tax deductible). Except for many flat tires on the Borranni wire wheels (finally solved that by switching to HD truck tubes) I never encountered anything that I couldn?t fix with the $29.99 Wal-Mart roadside tool kit I kept in the trunk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I have to agree with you guys. Packard55, I am not assaulting you, really. I hope my posts have clarified why members of these clubs react poorly to modifications. I doubt anyone would deny the technological or creativity in modifiers or hotrodders, it is just not what we do. On the subject of cost and expense in this hobby I would like to say something. I am on disability, and have relatively little to spend on anything. I am very fortunate to have a home provided by my family, but before that I paid rent like everyone else. Even so, I have had good collector cars. My 1947 Cadillac has gradually improved as I have afforded time and money to make those improvements. I maintain it with regular maintenance, often on my own but at times with the help of my local mechanic. I simply budget for it. It means months go by, years even, to get some things done. Fortunately the car is drivable so I can enjoy it. Gas is very expensive but again I budget for it. I have found good insurance at a good price to cover and replace should that be necessary. It has taken a couple of years to finally reach a budgetary position to do it, but I work at it and as with all things, slow and steady wins the race.These are not concours cars...just well maintained, beautiful drivers. There are flaws in paint and chrome, but what the heck? They are cars and are used for what they were made. I make no pretense in that. Reliable? You bet!! The '47 and the '77 are very reliable. I juggle each month which car gets attention and any special work or parts. I drive my 57 year old car to Denver and back regularly, over 100 miles round trip at 75 mph. I know the signs of problems and since I maintain it, I know what to expect...anything else is an act of god. That is why I carry AAA <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That 100 mile towing is awesome. There is no need to replace the engine and tranny unless that is what you want to do.Whatever reason you have is yours. But I can tell you that I have had more trouble from my 'modern' cars than I have ever had with my 'old' cars. If yours is unreliable, then take it to a mechanic, or several for multiple opinions, and find out what your baseline is. Then make a list of the most critical items and take care of them as you can. Just don't let the car sit unless it is dead. I have found regular use (exercise) helps keep the engine and drivetrain in good shape. Remember, cars of the 40s and 50s required more general maintenance than modern cars. Check you user manual or shop manual and follow its schedule to the 'T'. ...and stop worrying about it. Enjoy it. Drive it. If you choose ultimately to modify it, then that is your choice but do not fool yourself into thinking you have to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted August 20, 2004 Share Posted August 20, 2004 55,Thanks for sort of answering my question. If I'm reading you right, the car has NEVER let you down to the point of needing a tow. And even if it had, many many other cars have done that at least once in their lives. Even if you run out of gas, you need to burn some shoe leather. That's "driver error" like many other things can be "maintenance error."<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...and stop worrying about it. Enjoy it. Drive it.</div></div>What... he... said!!!!Get out there and haul @ss!!! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 20, 2004 Author Share Posted August 20, 2004 Hey Guy i might jump the gun sometimes, I have no patience anymore as i grow older so i go the easy way out i might look into seeing whats wrong with the car ..I know the vibration is not the drive shaft because i had that re-done they balanced it, new rear joint and checked and regreased the front detroit ball and trunion so its back to the drawing board...And the lifter noise has been better since i disconnected the filter like everyone suggested...Maybe i will do a trans swap i think i would want to go with a GM trans just incase down the road i want to go with a small block chevy i could....Oh yeah the vibration is weird it seems between 30 and 40 mph is the worst...of it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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