That's a diamond of a car! (I assume you've seen coldwarmotors' Packard by now...bloody exciting to see these cars finally getting the attention they deserve.)
The straight 8 challenge was an EXCELLENT series. This packard here is practically showroom fresh compared to the stuff Scott and the crew started with. She'll be up and running in no time. Hopefully with minimal cost. Only bad thing is that you can't just run down to your local Auto Zone and grab a lot of Packard specific parts. But they're out there. Good luck!
I just saw this. It's been two and one-half years since your post. I hope you pulled it together and are enjoying it. I have a '53 Clipper DeLuxe with the 327ci three-speed and overdrive. It's unrestored, but with mechanical repairs as necessary, (like brakes, shocks, tune, belts and hoses). I drive it every few weeks. I've taken it on multiple-night trips of more than a hundred miles. It brings me joy. Contact your local car club. I'm in AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America).
That was a very high-end car. The reason it has the spotlight is because its original owner may have been a doctor that made house calls. My father was a doctor and he always had spotlights because street lighting in that era was poor if there was any at all and the spotlight was a god-send. Best wishes on the restoration!
Please put out some more content on this Packard. I also have a 1952 Packard with a straight eight. Someone had to of added that push button start switch because stock you had to depress the accelerator to engage that starter. Also the vehicle won't care if you have positive or negative ground. I have a 12V battery hooked up with negative ground to get it running. So it's for testing purposes only lol.
Drove one like this for my driver's license test in 1968. The 52 Packard I drove had a bell in the floorboard (driver's side); so that when you drove into a gas station you just stepped on the attached mechanism with the heel of your right foot to ring it to get station attendants attention. This was factory installed when it rolled off the line. In 1952 there were not many if any service stations that had the bell/ringing services that we are familiar with today. Anyway it was fun to use and got lots of laughs and conversations about it when I drove it in 1968.
Had this 1952 Packard car back in 1973 paid $800. drove it from LA. to San Diego Ca. every weekend wile in the Navy. loved this car had hydraulic every thing windows radio antenna and Auto trans fluid drive and big Strait Eight
327 cubic inch engine (embossed on head). I have two 1952 sedans; a 2-door Club Sedan and a 4 -door sedan both with the 288 cubic inch engine. The weight of the engine and transmission is about 1000 pounds.
150 hp and 275flbs of torque @2000 rpm the crank shaft alone weighs 103 lbs imho their is no reason to make changes on that car. All systems work excellent. Due to the fact that that excellent engine generates considerable heat ,an electric fuel pump would be a good Idea if driving where you may get caught in traffic. On the road its not an issue, Just a big comfortable ,road gobbling 6 passenger car. I love mine! 1951 "300" in Valient green
I drove a 1951 Packard 300 for 10 years, so I can't wait to see the progress of this project. By the way this Packard didn't come with push button start. The push button was added later. The correct starting system has the starter actuated by depressing the gas pedal. The key is turned, the gas pedal is depressed, and halfway down the course of its travel, The starter kicks in. It's the same system used by Buick. At some point it must've given an owner some trouble and was bypassed. The thinking behind the transmission readout is that when the car is stuck in snow or mud and must be rocked back-and-forth, it is much easier if reverse and low gear are right next to each other. it saves the driver from whipping the transmission lever back-and-forth through all the gears. Best of luck from one Packard man to another!
That is a great Packard---they were very high end cars and well-engineered. The starter button is an add-on by a previous owner. The key turns the ignition on (or accessory if turned to the left). The original starter switch is built into the carburetor. Once the key is on, pressing the accelerator would crank the engine over. Once it fired up, the vacuum from the engine would switch off the starter switch on the carburetor and the accelerator pedal worked as normal. Keep the studs on the engine so your torque values will match the original specs. These cars have very smooth running engines. Good luck!
I applaud your intention to make it a "driver". I think it will be a very competent and highly enjoyable one - and not just enjoyed by you. Many people, from three year olds to the geriatric set, enjoy seeing an old, less than perfect car in regular use, as you'll see once you get it on the road.
The interior has been re-done; hope you can bring her back. SMS is the place for proper fabrics. Beautiful otherwise car. By the way the "hub caps" are not that at all they are full-size wheelcovers. Enjoy!
I'm not afraid to say I'm green with envy, all ways wanted one ,had the opportunity many years ago to own a 1948 packard 2 door ,I could kick myself for not grabbing it ,so much personality.
A wonderful piece of over-engineering and true-blue, honest American workmanship, free from Jim Nance's cost-cutting habits. At Packard's you started your working life as an apprentice only to leave as time-honored retiree.
Hi Tim !!! WoW what a beautiful old car. I love it. Can't wait to see her running again. It's a tribute to the fact that they don't build them like they used to. Big indeed I drive a red 2000 Myata. As you show in your video the Packard is huge to say the least. I can only describe it as splendid / Majestic. Thank you for showing us that. Well I'm of to work you have a great day. Take care from your pal Helcat in Australia.
Gorgeous machine. You did right by this one. Definitely a driver, but can see it as a restoration for someone. Would definitely benefit from an electric conversion; 6 to 12, and reverse the polarity, but its a re-wire then, and blocking with ballast for all the period pieces (a chore). Hope you keep most of its unique features intact. These autos were the cream of the crop, giving even Buick & Cadillac a hard time in the market. My Grandfather loved these cars, but could do no better than an Olds even with his good paying job. This may not be a Clipper with the Big 8, but a sweet car without a doubt.
@@brianwilcox3478 just have found parts like Generator's and 6 volt batteries out of vogue if not a bit temperamental once brushes start to wear much. Leave it 6 volt, positive ground for all I care about suggesting mods is futile unless its all new age and trendy. Glad your caring for it all the same.
Murry what does "out of vogue" have to do with reliability? The answer is nothing. all parts are redly available. If you want "new age" or "trendy" I suggest selling the car. because it wont fit either no matter what you do to it. Murry, I must admit I don't understand your comments you sent me at all!
The 1951-54 Packards are so well-proportioned that they do not look large until one actually stands next to one or a photo shows them next to a modern car. The trunks are 30 cubic feet. And the construction of the engine is world-class, they have hardened valve seats and the 327 cubic inch straight 8 has 9 main bearings.
tube radio...needs to warm up before it works... I had a 53 iwth 45K miles.. engine and trans weigh over 1,000 pounds....when I started mine at night, you could see the arc travel down the spark plug wires - like lightning...
Like J. Parrish already stated. Heli coil is the way to go. Leave the studs. Much stronger that bolts. Make a jig for the stripped hole so you can bore it out straight. Be patient and careful. Should be fine after.
When these were new, that '51/'52 grille was supposedly the largest diecast piece ever made and installed on a car. I have a spare deluxe grille with the "teeth" in it, like yours. It's unreal how heavy it is. I can't imagine what it took to install that piece on a moving assembly line without scratching the surrounding paint. No worries about fuel economy back then! Packard's straight-eights were among the best engines ever produced. Power and torque with uncanny smoothness and virtually free from any vibration. It is fairly common practice in the Packard Club to balance a nickel on edge on the top of the cylinder head with the engine running - and not have it fall over.
I would suggest becoming a member of Packardinfo.com. The guys there are very helpful and have a vast knowledge of Packards. I am not sure about your engine but I do not think you can replace the studs with bolts as the head will not torque correctly, but don't take my word for it. Also, there are many chapters of Packard Car Clubs around the WORLD! yes, around the World. Some Packard clubs will help you find parts or recommend where you might find them. Further, there are 2 major dealers for Packard parts in the US. So have fun.
I hope you see this if your unfamiliar! These old cars ran on non-detergent oil. You really should drop the pan and clean it out before refilling with modern multi-viscosity oil, most guys will recommend 10-40, 15-40, or 20-50. If you just pour in the new stuff, it’ll kick up all the sludge and send it through the galleries and if they plug up... goodbye bearings!
I think I'd use non-D straight 30 weight. Old engines might burn oil on multi-vis stuff, but be happy with 30W. Found that out from an old mechanic who solved such a problem years and years ago.
Great project to kick off the summer! Should be Six Tonnes of Fun when you're done. Good to see you back man. :) Some quick Google-Fu brought up Timesert over Helicoil for heads. "Timesert are solid bushing(threaded inside and out) compared to, well, coiled wire." Save from having one large stud too, heh. Use the mounted head to keep the drilling square they say too. After I've watched Jonathan W for a while you'll want to read up on your specific models electrical system. Your beaut definitely wasn't dragged out of the woods so you should have a good idea. But things like - if it is a positive ground system, what the starter is rated for(6v can sometimes be started with 12v just not to run lights), if the points have an external capacitor. New things to worry about with old iron. Carb looked in great condition for a quick kit. Save you some headaches down the line for sure. Best luck!
My grandfather had a 49 Chevrolet that was push button start. The key was just like that. He would leave the switch in the on position and just come out of the house push the button and go. He never locked it .
In the thirties most cars had "step on the starter" starting. The starter pedal was often around the accelerator. You stepped on both at the same time to start. There was no solenoid, and the starter pedal was a mechanical linkage to the starter motor, which engaged the starting motor gear with the flywheel, and made (in the electrical sense) a hefty contact to the starter motor. Then along came solenoids which took less effort and required the little push button on the dash. Then around 1949, Chrysler introduced key-turn starting in their line from Plymouth on up, and that soon became the industry standard all the way up to the present time.
though this has little to do with this video, I just discovered your channel from researching the Chinese lathe I see you have become a burgeoning machinist, self-taught, Kudos to you! Forces me to follow on. I reserve my comments unless requested, Keep up the good work! New subscriber, I will be
I'd love to see your progress. My Dad sold Packards in 1952, I was in the showroom when he sold a 200, remember it like it was yesterday, by the way the PNDLR was a common configuration at that time, look at a 52 Buick and it will be the same.
This video is from May so I’m probably late with this comment but here goes anyway. Studs are stronger then bolts, the stripped one needs to be repaired with a helicoil or similar insert.
I've heard of many Packards of this vintage that seem to develop cylinder head problems around 80,000 miles. Engines didn't last as long back then as they do now. The thermostat fits inside the cylinder head. You'll see a ridge around the opening in the front of the head. There's no need to install a thermostat in the upper radiator hose.
As far as the positive ground you can put the battery either way it will just show up negative charge when it's charging and positive charge when it's not
Cool car! The radio may work, but it won't work to it's potential after all these years without replacing it's capacitors. The originals will all be leaky and out of tolerance and no doubt some of the resistors will be out of tolerance too. Instead of a rectifier tube it most likely has a vibrator in it. Those can be rebuilt but most folks just replace them with a solid state version. If you restore it or it works well enough to suit you, consider getting a small AM transmitter and mp3 player for the glove box. That way you can play your own music and the transmitter will broadcast it to your radio.
Years ago, a friend of mine purchased a 1951 Sedan and called me saying that the gauges didn't work, along with most all of the light bulbs inside the car and asked about the possibility of blown fuses. I asked him if the radio also played backwards, the headlights shaded themselves and the horn sucked? With him not knowing how to respond to my question, I further asked if the battery was installed backwards (negative ground)? He thought I was pulling his leg but went and looked and told me that it grounded to negative. Other than losing a couple of bulbs, after switching the cables, all was well. I expect its happened quite often with 'new' owners. :)
That's funny! Unfortunately I didn't get a battery with this car so I'm not sure if it was ever converted or not, either to negative ground or to 12v... Any ideas on how to tell?
They didn't have the technology to do thin wall castings back then so most engines, particularly flatheads are pretty heavy. Plus, if your competition was going "Longer, lower, wider" next year then pretty good bet you were too. If not next year then as soon as you can. Use a Heli coil wherever needed and see if you can rent a magnetic base drill with an electromagnet that plugs into 110v power. They are common in most steel fabrication shops. Check equipment rental outlets. Naturally you want to do whatever you must to guard against even the most minute shavings from entering the engine.
Nice Car ,cant wait to see the old Tank running again . I'd be inclined to just Helicoil that one stud , and leave the others where they are . Can of worms , kind of thinking . Cheers mate , always like your Videos , been subscribed since I acquired my Chinese lathe 6 months ago . Appreciate your content .
Ignition key is worn from constant use, thats the reason why you can remove it in the on position, I have a 1994 chevy pickup with over a 175,000 miles with the same peculiaritie. Very nice car definitely built to last, I wish the junk they manufacture now could last as long ,but to much plastic and won't be reliable after a few short years.
nice car. if anybody wants a 1951 Packard 200 project, let me know. I've got one for sale. smaller than this car, 2 door. 288 flathead straight 8. just needs restoration.
?? 52 ?? I was born in 51. I'm 68 . Ha ha. And yes rember flat head eights. And they were smooth to drive the dad in law drove with pride. A back seat that had room for checkers and three kids the trunk took a lot of food from the grocery. When you work on it have a chunk of cardboard ( legend the pos ground fact.) Push button starter was the thing and the radio was a AC via vibrator (step up) ( voltage. ) System. Seat belts are cheep insurance. Even lap belts are life savers as this car has NO crumple zones. And the tork has to go some where (the riders.) Head rest kits work fine for neck support. And at shows can be stowed away when showing car. I could go for ever nice car when you get wrinkles out. 73 de kv4li
Your idea of a remote thermostat in the hose is a bad idea. Due to its isolation from the head you will not get a proper thermal signal for it to open as the motor gets hot. I do not think it’s a good idea to replace the head studs with head bolts. There was a reason they used studs verses bolts to attach that head. That head is a cast unit with integrated cooling passages and configured to properly fit to the block. Notice the numerous cooling holes and passages? Do not assume the engineering and design of that engine is as crude as you indicate. It may be very old old school, but in those days, Packard did a good job of designing that engine for the period. Packard was still an upscale car brand then. That engine is a prewar design, not a 50’s design. Remember, fuels, oils, manufacturing technology and materials were not what we currently take for granted. Packard was working on its replacement overhead valve V8 when this car was built. It was built as a smooth, high torque motor for its intended application. It’s just that by 1952, that motor was becoming obsolete as the newer lighter weight overhead valve engines were starting to hit the market.
That's going to be amazing once you're done restoring it! I recently came across an abandoned one on the side of the road in Texas, posted photos of it here: matthewtrader.com/1952-packard-patrician-400-abandoned-and-deteriorated-in-a-texas-field
Agreed! Packard was known for superior engineering. Please put everything back to original you wont regret it. Your car will reward you with superb performance. follow american rambler, and oldenslo advice. but disregard 4thstoodge leave it 6 volt.
1952, 70 years old?? try 67. Keep the studs they are far superior to bolts. and they seal better., just heli-coil the one stud (replace w/ a new one) . Change it to 12v neg. ground. You can get a 12 volt generator & starter. replace your bulbs w/ 12 v ones.
Whatever you do, take out the radio and look for a guy that restores those radios. In its present form it uses vacuum tubes and a vibrator power supply. It needs to be thoroughly gone through and parts replaced before applying power, and changes made if you do change to negative ground. It is possible for the guts to be replaced with modern electronics that get FM and receive bluetooth from your phone. Or just disconnect the power wire from the radio and leave it dead.
That's a diamond of a car! (I assume you've seen coldwarmotors' Packard by now...bloody exciting to see these cars finally getting the attention they deserve.)
Cold War Motors is killer!!!
These Packard engines are super smooth running.
I was going to mention that channel as well.
I see cold war motors as much as I can---those guys in Alberta are super :)
The straight 8 challenge was an EXCELLENT series. This packard here is practically showroom fresh compared to the stuff Scott and the crew started with. She'll be up and running in no time. Hopefully with minimal cost. Only bad thing is that you can't just run down to your local Auto Zone and grab a lot of Packard specific parts. But they're out there. Good luck!
I just saw this. It's been two and one-half years since your post. I hope you pulled it together and are enjoying it. I have a '53 Clipper DeLuxe with the 327ci three-speed and overdrive. It's unrestored, but with mechanical repairs as necessary, (like brakes, shocks, tune, belts and hoses). I drive it every few weeks. I've taken it on multiple-night trips of more than a hundred miles. It brings me joy. Contact your local car club. I'm in AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America).
Those were the days when a car was a car and not a little toy :) You my friend found a gold mine.
That was a very high-end car. The reason it has the spotlight is because its original owner may have been a doctor that made house calls. My father was a doctor and he always had spotlights because street lighting in that era was poor if there was any at all and the spotlight was a god-send. Best wishes on the restoration!
Please put out some more content on this Packard. I also have a 1952 Packard with a straight eight. Someone had to of added that push button start switch because stock you had to depress the accelerator to engage that starter. Also the vehicle won't care if you have positive or negative ground. I have a 12V battery hooked up with negative ground to get it running. So it's for testing purposes only lol.
Drove one like this for my driver's license test in 1968. The 52 Packard I drove had a bell in the floorboard (driver's side); so that when you drove into a gas station you just stepped on the attached mechanism with the heel of your right foot to ring it to get station attendants attention. This was factory installed when it rolled off the line. In 1952 there were not many if any service stations that had the bell/ringing services that we are familiar with today.
Anyway it was fun to use and got lots of laughs and conversations about it when I drove it in 1968.
Packard built some of the most amazing cars! Love em all! Good luck with it
Yes video your progress. Great packard
I’m jealous! Beautiful car!
I love straight 8 engines, they have a unique song.
Had this 1952 Packard car back in 1973 paid $800. drove it from LA. to San Diego Ca. every weekend wile in the Navy. loved this car had hydraulic every thing windows radio antenna and Auto trans fluid drive and big Strait Eight
327 cubic inch engine (embossed on head). I have two 1952 sedans; a 2-door Club Sedan and a 4 -door sedan both with the 288 cubic inch engine. The weight of the engine and transmission is about 1000 pounds.
150 hp and 275flbs of torque @2000 rpm the crank shaft alone weighs 103 lbs imho their is no reason to make changes on that car. All systems work excellent. Due to the fact that that excellent engine generates considerable heat ,an electric fuel pump would be a good Idea if driving where you may get caught in traffic. On the road its not an issue, Just a big comfortable ,road gobbling 6 passenger car. I love mine! 1951 "300" in Valient green
So, a great car... never to be heard from again... great stuff...
I drove a 1951 Packard 300 for 10 years, so I can't wait to see the progress of this project. By the way this Packard didn't come with push button start. The push button was added later. The correct starting system has the starter actuated by depressing the gas pedal. The key is turned, the gas pedal is depressed, and halfway down the course of its travel, The starter kicks in. It's the same system used by Buick. At some point it must've given an owner some trouble and was bypassed. The thinking behind the transmission readout is that when the car is stuck in snow or mud and must be rocked back-and-forth, it is much easier if reverse and low gear are right next to each other. it saves the driver from whipping the transmission lever back-and-forth through all the gears. Best of luck from one Packard man to another!
100% correct on the starter. The owner will see the vacuum switch on the carburetor which disengages the starter when the engine is running.
agreed
That is a great Packard---they were very high end cars and well-engineered. The starter button is an add-on by a previous owner. The key turns the ignition on (or accessory if turned to the left). The original starter switch is built into the carburetor. Once the key is on, pressing the accelerator would crank the engine over. Once it fired up, the vacuum from the engine would switch off the starter switch on the carburetor and the accelerator pedal worked as normal. Keep the studs on the engine so your torque values will match the original specs. These cars have very smooth running engines. Good luck!
Buicks of this era had a very similar starting system to these Packards.
I applaud your intention to make it a "driver". I think it will be a very competent and highly enjoyable one - and not just enjoyed by you. Many people, from three year olds to the geriatric set, enjoy seeing an old, less than perfect car in regular use, as you'll see once you get it on the road.
Awesome example of 1950s engineering! Looks you got a good one to restore, and should be a very interesting project.
The interior has been re-done; hope you can bring her back. SMS is the place for proper fabrics. Beautiful otherwise car. By the way the "hub caps" are not that at all they are full-size wheelcovers. Enjoy!
I'm not afraid to say I'm green with envy, all ways wanted one ,had the opportunity many years ago to own a 1948 packard 2 door ,I could kick myself for not grabbing it ,so much personality.
Love the grill of the Packard.
Welcome back sir
Love this car, can’t wait to see the next video on it! I suggest you install a helicoil and install a new stud.
Great video...I'm eager to see more...I love early '50s Packards...I'd have one if I knew anything about fixing cars.
A wonderful piece of over-engineering and true-blue, honest American workmanship, free from Jim Nance's cost-cutting habits. At Packard's you started your working life as an apprentice only to leave as time-honored retiree.
She’s a beautiful Automobile
And yes, please check out the Coldwar Motors straight 8 shootout videos
It’s only original once
Keep her that way
Kanter Auto Parts in Boonton NJ are Packard experts and should have what you need.
I would love to hear more.
Hi Tim !!! WoW what a beautiful old car. I love it. Can't wait to see her running again. It's a tribute to the fact that they don't build them like they used to. Big indeed I drive a red 2000 Myata. As you show in your video the Packard is huge to say the least. I can only describe it as splendid / Majestic. Thank you for showing us that. Well I'm of to work you have a great day. Take care from your pal Helcat in Australia.
Totally stoked to see what you do with this, Tim!
Holy shit that thing is sweeeeet!!!
the cars from the good old days - "ask the man who owns one" about that time ,coolant was not what we have today.
Beautiful car in its own way. It reminds me of the atomic cars from Fallout :D
Gorgeous machine. You did right by this one. Definitely a driver, but can see it as a restoration for someone. Would definitely benefit from an electric conversion; 6 to 12, and reverse the polarity, but its a re-wire then, and blocking with ballast for all the period pieces (a chore). Hope you keep most of its unique features intact. These autos were the cream of the crop, giving even Buick & Cadillac a hard time in the market. My Grandfather loved these cars, but could do no better than an Olds even with his good paying job. This may not be a Clipper with the Big 8, but a sweet car without a doubt.
no need for a 6-12 volt conversion. the 6 volt system works very well. Positive ground works fine as well. keep it the way they designed it.
@@brianwilcox3478 just have found parts like Generator's and 6 volt batteries out of vogue if not a bit temperamental once brushes start to wear much. Leave it 6 volt, positive ground for all I care about suggesting mods is futile unless its all new age and trendy. Glad your caring for it all the same.
Murry what does "out of vogue" have to do with reliability? The answer is nothing. all parts are redly available. If you want "new age" or "trendy" I suggest selling the car. because it wont fit either no matter what you do to it. Murry, I must admit I don't understand your comments you sent me at all!
The 1951-54 Packards are so well-proportioned that they do not look large until one actually stands next to one or a photo shows them next to a modern car. The trunks are 30 cubic feet. And the construction of the engine is world-class, they have hardened valve seats and the 327 cubic inch straight 8 has 9 main bearings.
only the Packard 400 (Patrician) 327 CID had nine main bearings...51-53....1954 the nine main displacement was increased and it used an aluminum head.
oh yes love to see it running!
tube radio...needs to warm up before it works... I had a 53 iwth 45K miles.. engine and trans weigh over 1,000 pounds....when I started mine at night, you could see the arc travel down the spark plug wires - like lightning...
Contact the Packard Club of America immediately.They will help you.
Like J. Parrish already stated. Heli coil is the way to go. Leave the studs. Much stronger that bolts. Make a jig for the stripped hole so you can bore it out straight. Be patient and careful. Should be fine after.
How the hell did you come across this?
When these were new, that '51/'52 grille was supposedly the largest diecast piece ever made and installed on a car. I have a spare deluxe grille with the "teeth" in it, like yours. It's unreal how heavy it is. I can't imagine what it took to install that piece on a moving assembly line without scratching the surrounding paint. No worries about fuel economy back then! Packard's straight-eights were among the best engines ever produced. Power and torque with uncanny smoothness and virtually free from any vibration. It is fairly common practice in the Packard Club to balance a nickel on edge on the top of the cylinder head with the engine running - and not have it fall over.
I would suggest becoming a member of Packardinfo.com. The guys there are very helpful and have a vast knowledge of Packards. I am not sure about your engine but I do not think you can replace the studs with bolts as the head will not torque correctly, but don't take my word for it. Also, there are many chapters of Packard Car Clubs around the WORLD! yes, around the World. Some Packard clubs will help you find parts or recommend where you might find them. Further, there are 2 major dealers for Packard parts in the US. So have fun.
I hope you see this if your unfamiliar! These old cars ran on non-detergent oil. You really should drop the pan and clean it out before refilling with modern multi-viscosity oil, most guys will recommend 10-40, 15-40, or 20-50. If you just pour in the new stuff, it’ll kick up all the sludge and send it through the galleries and if they plug up... goodbye bearings!
I think I'd use non-D straight 30 weight. Old engines might burn oil on multi-vis stuff, but be happy with 30W. Found that out from an old mechanic who solved such a problem years and years ago.
But it might be a good idea to find out what the previous owner used also....if he already has used detergent oil, no need to change the routine ‼️👍🍺
Great project to kick off the summer! Should be Six Tonnes of Fun when you're done. Good to see you back man. :)
Some quick Google-Fu brought up Timesert over Helicoil for heads. "Timesert are solid bushing(threaded inside and out) compared to, well, coiled wire." Save from having one large stud too, heh. Use the mounted head to keep the drilling square they say too.
After I've watched Jonathan W for a while you'll want to read up on your specific models electrical system. Your beaut definitely wasn't dragged out of the woods so you should have a good idea. But things like - if it is a positive ground system, what the starter is rated for(6v can sometimes be started with 12v just not to run lights), if the points have an external capacitor. New things to worry about with old iron.
Carb looked in great condition for a quick kit. Save you some headaches down the line for sure. Best luck!
6 tonnes is very accurate. The engine alone weighs almost half a ton.
Would love to see the progress on this!
from the numbers i have seen, "low" is numerically similar to 2nd on a 3 or 4 speed, and high is just direct drive
Awesome car really goox video!!
My grandfather had a 49 Chevrolet that was push button start. The key was just like that. He would leave the switch in the on position and just come out of the house push the button and go. He never locked it .
In the thirties most cars had "step on the starter" starting. The starter pedal was often around the accelerator. You stepped on both at the same time to start. There was no solenoid, and the starter pedal was a mechanical linkage to the starter motor, which engaged the starting motor gear with the flywheel, and made (in the electrical sense) a hefty contact to the starter motor. Then along came solenoids which took less effort and required the little push button on the dash. Then around 1949, Chrysler introduced key-turn starting in their line from Plymouth on up, and that soon became the industry standard all the way up to the present time.
January 2020--I would like to see an update on this car. Packard rebuilds are always interesting.
Carb rebuild video is coming soon!
I wanna see anything you gotta show, I'm work In on a 63 ford truck with an original 292 V8. did have a 1950 chevrolet sport coupe .I love em all!
though this has little to do with this video, I just discovered your channel from researching the Chinese lathe
I see you have become a burgeoning machinist, self-taught, Kudos to you! Forces me to follow on. I reserve my comments unless requested, Keep up the good work! New subscriber, I will be
I'd love to see your progress. My Dad sold Packards in 1952, I was in the showroom when he sold a 200, remember it like it was yesterday, by the way the PNDLR was a common configuration at that time, look at a 52 Buick and it will be the same.
This video is from May so I’m probably late with this comment but here goes anyway. Studs are stronger then bolts, the stripped one needs to be repaired with a helicoil or similar insert.
I've heard of many Packards of this vintage that seem to develop cylinder head problems around 80,000 miles. Engines didn't last as long back then as they do now. The thermostat fits inside the cylinder head. You'll see a ridge around the opening in the front of the head. There's no need to install a thermostat in the upper radiator hose.
The engine bay looks like the alien planet.
It has been a while since I came across a time capsule in a pole barn waiting to be rediscovered. Hope it happens again some time soon.
As far as the positive ground you can put the battery either way it will just show up negative charge when it's charging and positive charge when it's not
Cool car! The radio may work, but it won't work to it's potential after all these years without replacing it's capacitors. The originals will all be leaky and out of tolerance and no doubt some of the resistors will be out of tolerance too. Instead of a rectifier tube it most likely has a vibrator in it. Those can be rebuilt but most folks just replace them with a solid state version. If you restore it or it works well enough to suit you, consider getting a small AM transmitter and mp3 player for the glove box. That way you can play your own music and the transmitter will broadcast it to your radio.
Years ago, a friend of mine purchased a 1951 Sedan and called me saying that the gauges didn't work, along with most all of the light bulbs inside the car and asked about the possibility of blown fuses. I asked him if the radio also played backwards, the headlights shaded themselves and the horn sucked? With him not knowing how to respond to my question, I further asked if the battery was installed backwards (negative ground)? He thought I was pulling his leg but went and looked and told me that it grounded to negative. Other than losing a couple of bulbs, after switching the cables, all was well. I expect its happened quite often with 'new' owners. :)
That's funny! Unfortunately I didn't get a battery with this car so I'm not sure if it was ever converted or not, either to negative ground or to 12v... Any ideas on how to tell?
Theres a packard dealer in boonton n.j. for resto stuff kantner main St.
They didn't have the technology to do thin wall castings back then so most engines, particularly flatheads are pretty heavy. Plus, if your competition was going "Longer, lower, wider" next year then pretty good bet you were too. If not next year then as soon as you can. Use a Heli coil wherever needed and see if you can rent a magnetic base drill with an electromagnet that plugs into 110v power. They are common in most steel fabrication shops. Check equipment rental outlets. Naturally you want to do whatever you must to guard against even the most minute shavings from entering the engine.
Not before it's time. Almost all the old cars had pushbutton starters. It's an old idea that has been recycled.
first time here. Great !!!
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes for a successful restoration. Are you going to replace the electric system?
(subscribed)
stay with the studs
Nice Car ,cant wait to see the old Tank running again . I'd be inclined to just Helicoil that one stud , and leave the others where they are . Can of worms , kind of thinking . Cheers mate , always like your Videos , been subscribed since I acquired my Chinese lathe 6 months ago . Appreciate your content .
Gorgeous car! I'm really thinking about getting one myself. I think these are positive ground?
That's what I've read! Unless someone converted it (I don't think that's the case on mine)
Lucas wiring, the true Prince of darkness...
Packards have Lucas wiring ⁉️ No way !
Good day, any updates? Can I ask how much it cost when you found it and what you have invested? Thanks
Ignition key is worn from constant use, thats the reason why you can remove it in the on position, I have a 1994 chevy pickup with over a 175,000 miles with the same peculiaritie. Very nice car definitely built to last, I wish the junk they manufacture now could last as long ,but to much plastic and won't be reliable after a few short years.
I can tell you that a 1965 Pontiac GTO had a key that was removable when in the ON position, and it wasn’t worn out.
You are calling this a 300cid engine in the title. I believe it to be a 327cid straight 8 with one barrel carburetor, generating 188hp.
You're absolutely correct... If I called it a 300ci then I miss spoke :/. Thanks!
It's a 300 SERIES Packard, one step down from the top of the line 400. The carburetor is a Carter two-barrel. Gross horsepower is 150 at 3600 RPM.
nice car. if anybody wants a 1951 Packard 200 project, let me know. I've got one for sale. smaller than this car, 2 door. 288 flathead straight 8. just needs restoration.
They’re great until the Ultramatic blows.
?? 52 ?? I was born in 51. I'm 68 . Ha ha. And yes rember flat head eights. And they were smooth to drive the dad in law drove with pride. A back seat that had room for checkers and three kids the trunk took a lot of food from the grocery. When you work on it have a chunk of cardboard ( legend the pos ground fact.) Push button starter was the thing and the radio was a AC via vibrator (step up) ( voltage. ) System. Seat belts are cheep insurance. Even lap belts are life savers as this car has NO crumple zones. And the tork has to go some where (the riders.) Head rest kits work fine for neck support. And at shows can be stowed away when showing car. I could go for ever nice car when you get wrinkles out. 73 de kv4li
Contact Fred Bruner out in Franklin Iowa,he has Packard parts (I think).
Your idea of a remote thermostat in the hose is a bad idea. Due to its isolation from the head you will not get a proper thermal signal for it to open as the motor gets hot. I do not think it’s a good idea to replace the head studs with head bolts. There was a reason they used studs verses bolts to attach that head. That head is a cast unit with integrated cooling passages and configured to properly fit to the block. Notice the numerous cooling holes and passages? Do not assume the engineering and design of that engine is as crude as you indicate. It may be very old old school, but in those days, Packard did a good job of designing that engine for the period. Packard was still an upscale car brand then. That engine is a prewar design, not a 50’s design. Remember, fuels, oils, manufacturing technology and materials were not what we currently take for granted. Packard was working on its replacement overhead valve V8 when this car was built. It was built as a smooth, high torque motor for its intended application. It’s just that by 1952, that motor was becoming obsolete as the newer lighter weight overhead valve engines were starting to hit the market.
Straight 8 challenge.
The light ?? On mirror cop car maybe!!!
The head is not steel it's cast iron just like the block.
That's going to be amazing once you're done restoring it! I recently came across an abandoned one on the side of the road in Texas, posted photos of it here: matthewtrader.com/1952-packard-patrician-400-abandoned-and-deteriorated-in-a-texas-field
Very cool!
Great find. 84,000 was high mileage, not that long ago.
Indeed. Many engines by 50,000 miles needed an overhaul.
I have a 400 it says?
Do not replace the studs with bolts that's a catastrophic mistake on that engine plus leave the transmission cooler the way it is my God
Agreed! Packard was known for superior engineering. Please put everything back to original you wont regret it. Your car will reward you with superb performance. follow american rambler, and oldenslo advice. but disregard 4thstoodge leave it 6 volt.
Did it come with the hat on the carburetor?
A la ColdWarMotors 👍✅ 😎
1952, 70 years old?? try 67. Keep the studs they are far superior to bolts. and they seal better., just heli-coil the one stud (replace w/ a new one) . Change it to 12v neg. ground. You can get a 12 volt generator & starter. replace your bulbs w/ 12 v ones.
Whatever you do, take out the radio and look for a guy that restores those radios. In its present form it uses vacuum tubes and a vibrator power supply. It needs to be thoroughly gone through and parts replaced before applying power, and changes made if you do change to negative ground. It is possible for the guts to be replaced with modern electronics that get FM and receive bluetooth from your phone. Or just disconnect the power wire from the radio and leave it dead.
Update?
Hopefully soon. There's a car show in the spring I'd like to drive it to
TimNummy I look forward to it, it’s a neat car
It would get 8 mpg and you can"t give it away. I had one just like it 20 years ago and finally had to junk it.
That's sad
i easily get 13mpg with mine.
Weak spot the ultramatic trans .dad had a 51 drive nice at 100 mph.gas station hugger.
It is not. It only became an issue when the v8s came about. easily dealt with these days
84k, full engine rebuild required.
Mike L.
Non necessarily. I’ve driven flatheads with over 125k, a bit tired, but went down the freeway with no smoke.
I ageee 84.000 on mine too