My next project? 1921 Packard Coupe

4 minute(s) of a 548 minute read

Sorry Brad

I would have to travel at least 15 to 20 kilometres to see a Koala, all we have in our trees are lots of birds and the occasional possum. We don't have any problems with Kangaroos either although my wife occasionally sees some on the golf course. 

At present most of our Australian hardwood timber comes from overseas. From Tasmania....... Having said that we do have one of the beautiful "spotted gum" trees in the front garden. The same variety of Eucalyptus that provided the timber for the Dixie Flyer dash and steering wheel rim, but not from our tree. 

At about 40 ft high it is probably almost big enough to be milled but then we would have to wait another 40 to 50 years for another to grow to the same size. 

Despite all this I have actually done some more work on the Packard today, fitting up the drivers side door. I should be able to lift the body frame off the chassis in the next week or so and start work on the mechanicals.

It always amazes me what you can find on the internet. I can probably learn your home phone number, full address and age group then look at your front yard and get detailed instructions on how to get from my place to your front door, all without leaving my desk

11-18-2010

Not much work to-day Helen had me out in the garden all morning doing some pruning of tree branches where they were growing over the top of under-story plants. This afternoon I had my annual appointment with my Urology Specialist.

He has made another appointment to see me in 12 months time so apparently I can look forward to at least one more good year.

Attached is a photo just sent to me by C (Ben) Benson of a dash light and cigar lighter that he has found for me.

He tells me "The cigar lighter has a screw affair that turns on the current to the heat element,when the holder is pulled out about 4",,,the heat element is the same base as a dash bulb,,,,so it can be used as a maplight,,if you don't smoke!!!

That sounds almost enough to put most people off ever lighting up!

Just a thought for all those people who look up things on the internet. Our oldest son Paul and his partner Nicole are dedicated Bird watchers and as such travel into the most remote corners of Australia. Paul also does "Bird-song recordings. their website "Urban Birder" has some great photographs and sound recordings. Oh yes, you have to enter au after Urban Birder.

Enjoy

11-21-2010

I trust that those who bothered to look at Paul & Nicole's Urban Birder.Au website now have some insight into the Australian "Outback" and the unique sounds of some of our native birds. Anyone recognise the Kookaburra "laughing"?

Having taken some quality time pottering about the garden over the weekend it is time to start back on the Packard. Todays task has been to refit the rear "trunk" lid frame. This has been totally taken apart re-glued and re-screwed, once again dipping into my stock of "slot head" wood screws. As previously I have been at pains to use as much as possible of the original timber frame. The rear rail required repairing where previously there had been a "Yale" type lock.

To fit this lock entailed boring a large hole through the rail right in the centre of the joint. The wood here has been replaced (Photograph 1.) and in lieu of the "Yale" lock a simple spring catch cable operated from the rear seat will be fitted. Photograph 2,shows the underside of the lid where the original Packard 222 Body style number and part number can be seen. Note also the unique "goose neck" hinges and the rain-water drain. Also clearly seen in this photograph are the strengthening "corner blocks" that have been incorporated into all the stress points in the original frame.