Packard Clipper trim issues...

[Eminoff]

I'm in the process of helpnig a friend replace the chrome trim pieces on a 1947 Packard Deluxe Eight Limousine and have run into some problems. All the trim pieces when on great, except fro the long hood trim piece on the right side of the car. The problem is all of the little bolts have come loose and are turing freely in the plates they are supposed to be mounted to. This is exacerbated byt he fact that there are nuts attached to them, and it is damn near impossible to get the trim piece off now because two of the trim clips are attached by bolts that turn with the nut. A clamp wrench won't fit, so I can't get the bolts to stop turning so I can remove the nuts. Any ideas on how to get the trim piece off, and then after that, how to get it back on with clips that won't fail like the parts it came with?

[Guest BigKev]

Take a dremel tool or a die grinder and cut a notch in the end of the bolt. Then you can keep the bolt from turning using a flat head screwdriver on slot you cut on the bolt end while you remove the nut. Just make sure the screw driver is small enough so that that it wont interfer with the nut.

I have used this method run removing all kind of bolts and screws where the heads have become rounded off and this also works on where Packard used a threaded rod and you dont want to damage the threads trying to remove it.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

If Kev's idea doesn't work for some reason, you can always just grind off the complete nut. Of course the nut and screws will have to be replaced doing that. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

The screws probably have special large heads that have rusted away. I made some like that, for my '37 Limo, by grinding large Outside diameter washers on 2 sides (to make locking flats), then welded the washers to heads of new screws. If I remember correctly I had to weld up about 60 of those little Buggers. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> (used for runningboard trim also)

[Eminoff]

Thanks for the recommendations. I was thinking of attacking it with a dremel tomorrow, I like the notch idea though. The biggest problem I have right now is that every clip has a center mounted screw except for one, and of course that is one of the screws that sheared off. Now I think I am going to have to fabricate a clip, which is important since that clip is essentially what bends the trim into place at the front. If nothing else, I can see why so many of the mechanics for these Packards were alcoholics, I'd need some refuge from this too if I was at it for long enough, methinks!

[mrpushbutton]

Eminoff--Packards are easy to work on, and yes--they did do some things differently than big three cars. If you really want to work on something that defies common sense, go find a Rolls Royce (or other British car) to play with. Your Packard will be childs play after that.

[pacbrakeman]

If you need new clips try Restoration Specialities. Send them a sample and they should be able to match. I've used them for numerious clips, screws etc. Get their catalog. Good luck PS They have a website.