My next project? 1921 Packard Coupe

3 minute(s) of a 548 minute read

Every so often you hear or read of people who drag cars out of barns, find that the engine is "free" and turn over nicely and decide to poor some gas into the carburettor and start it up. Some people have difficulty in understanding why I steadfastly refuse to do this with out stripping down the engine first. The Packard is a classic example. When I bought it I was told that the engine turned over and had good compression. why not see if it will start it could run "real good". NO THANK YOU! 

So far I have discovered that there is an unacceptable amount of wear in the bores, that the centre main bearing cap had been cracked and badly repaired and would have probably failed the first time the engine was put under load. Now I have just removed the side water gallery from the cylinder block. Imagine just filling up the radiator with water and starting the motor. Have a look at the huge amount of rust and gunk ready and waiting to ruin the water pump, block the radiator and overheat the engine. What fun!

No, I think I will stick to my policy of striping down first, doing what ever is necessary to put the motor into first class working order, then starting it up and driving a reliable car.

Going on from the above I am about to have a new BRASS side cover plate made by a local Vintage Drivers Club member who specialises in this sort of press work. If any other early series Single Six owners would like to order one now is the time. I will have some photos and costing early next week.

Meanwhile there is an interloper in the camp. Arrived last weekend via a widow friend of my sister. It has managed to cover 127.000kms since 1996. Never been off road and never driven over 90kph (50mph).

It looks as though it has only had the one occupant (the driver)