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Projects 1955 Packard (Getting it back on the road)

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by 55pack, Mar 10, 2019.

  1. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    This Packard was purchased in Youngstown, Ohio in 2017 after a road trip with my father. We currently both own a 55’ Packards, of course I own the lowest end “Clipper” And he owns a higher end “Patrican”. But with any car guy we had to add another to the fleet, so we purchase this two door “Panama” (the Clipper but a two door). After two years we finally have the time to start working on this project. I knew that it had a transmission problem and had it currently rebuilt. Not a lot of transmission shops want to work on the ultramatic, but I was able to find mike in Illinois.
    The Panama has a Packard 320 V8 and power steering.


    Problems we are working on:

    leaking power steering system

    Zero Interior

    Seats are held on by just sheet metal.

    Radiator flush

    And just today broken rear end sway bars .

    Items checked off:
    Sparks Plugs
    Oil change
    Rebuilt transmission
    Tires
    Battery


    Thanks guy I will keep you updated on the progress.

    Please feel free to comment anytime.
    [​IMG]







    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2019
  2. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
  3. philo426
    Joined: Sep 20, 2007
    Posts: 2,097

    philo426
    Member

    Awesome love the paint job!
     
  4. s55mercury66
    Joined: Jul 6, 2009
    Posts: 4,335

    s55mercury66
    Member
    from SW Wyoming

    It looks pretty good, especially for a Youngstown car.
     

  5. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    [​IMG]

    Found today broken sway bar.


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
    chriseakin likes this.
  6. Smiffy
    Joined: Dec 30, 2014
    Posts: 150

    Smiffy

    Great score gentlemen really looking forward to seeing it finished and on the road. Always been a Packard fan especially 55's & 56's.
     
    55pack likes this.
  7. JWL115C
    Joined: Jan 28, 2010
    Posts: 286

    JWL115C
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Check out PackardInfo.com for help with your 1955 Clipper Super Panama. Lots of Packard experts there willing to share their knowledge and experience.
     
    VANDENPLAS and 55pack like this.
  8. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    [​IMG]


    Parts on the way!


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
    Squablow likes this.
  9. JWL115C
    Joined: Jan 28, 2010
    Posts: 286

    JWL115C
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I think it is a type of Watts Linkage, not a stabilizer bar. It keeps the rear axle assembly from moving side to side on the Torsion Level suspension cars.
     
    Jet96, 55pack, egads and 1 other person like this.
  10. Packrat
    Joined: Aug 25, 2005
    Posts: 600

    Packrat
    Member

    Really nice looking car!
     
    55pack likes this.
  11. that is something that you do not see every day .... keep those update(s) coming =)
     
    55pack likes this.
  12. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    Really? Never heard on Watts Linkage.


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
  13. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    [​IMG]

    Finally got my Clipper out of the garage today.


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
    Jet96 and Oldioron like this.
  14. Watts linkage has one end fixed to the frame or chassis back to a pivot that has a second bar going to a bracket on the opposite side of the rear axle......essentially does the same job as a Panhard bar but is a more effective way of controlling the side to side sway of a coil sprung rear end........a Watts linkage was not a common setup as its more complicated, ie, expensive than a Panhard bar but more often found on high end/high performance cars...........and I love the colour schemes on these 2 Packards, very tasteful..........andyd
     
    VANDENPLAS likes this.
  15. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack



    Very cool! Thank you for the education, I love learning something new.


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
    VANDENPLAS likes this.
  16. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    This Packard should be back on the road today! The Watts Linkage arrived and should be install he in just a bit! Wish us luck that we can get it on the road for the first time in over 20 years.

    [​IMG][​IMG]


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
  17. 55pack
    Joined: Jan 30, 2019
    Posts: 36

    55pack

    [​IMG][​IMG]



    We are back on the road!!! After two years!


    55 Clipper
    55 Patrican
    55 Panama
    (Packard)
     
  18. philo426
    Joined: Sep 20, 2007
    Posts: 2,097

    philo426
    Member

  19. That pain job is wicked !!
    Glad your up and running !
     

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