Re: KPack's 1954 Panama [Project Blogs] (2024)

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The torque spec is 200 to 270 ft-lbs and he is using an Earthquake XT impact which gives about 500 ft-lbs real world breakaway torque.

'55 400. Needs aesthetic parts put back on, and electrical system sorted.
'55 Clipper Deluxe. Engine is stuck-ish.

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Nice video, Kevin. Perhaps we could collab sometime, if we can think of any reason to.

'55 400. Needs aesthetic parts put back on, and electrical system sorted.
'55 Clipper Deluxe. Engine is stuck-ish.

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Both of the reservoirs are the same size. I haven't seen any fluid inside the car, but I'll pull the carpet back tonight and double check. Both rears needed adjustments to the shoes as I felt they were too loose. One of the fronts was loose as well.

The master cylinder is old. I think it's some sort of old Ford master, from what I can tell. It's definitely possible that it's leaking/failing. I'll have to consider my options going forward. If I go back the TreadleVac I will have a fairly large hole in the firewall that will need to be addressed. I suppose I can plug the bolt holes with some grommets, but not sure what to do about the big hole for the brake rod. But that's a problem for another day. If I can continue to use the brakes as is I will do that.

-Kevin

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I'd be down for that. I'm not a great videographer or editor, but I figure more videos about Packards and working on them will help newcomers to the hobby. As you know, our generation and younger leans heavily on YouTube to learn how to do things....I use it all the time to learn new skills. Maybe something you or I produce will help someone else.

-Kevin

Dug into it more tonight. No signs of leaks from the master cylinder. I retraced the lines from the master, and it turns out the rear reservoir is actually for the front brake circuit. The lines are hard to follow due to how the previous owner set them up. No leaks evident on the front system either. I think part of it may have been the shoes wearing, as my driver's front needed a decent adjustment.

Refilled the reservoirs and bled all the brakes twice to purge any air. The pedal is very firm now. The adjustments on the shoes at all four corners definitely helped as well.

Test drive was great. Brakes are firm and no pulling. I'll keep and eye on the fluid levels to see if it starts dropping again. Thanks everyone for your help.

-Kevin

1953 Clipper Delux Club Sedan, 1953 Caribbean, 1969 912, 1990 Miata

Show prep today after work. Local show tomorrow that should have pretty good attendance if the weather cooperates. Washed and waxed the Panama, clayed and waxed the Super 8. The Super hasn't had wax in about a decade, but the paint was still surprisingly good.

Local car show yesterday, and it was well attended. 184 cars this year, up from 103 last year. We were able to get both the Panama and the Super 8 there this year. I wasn't able to stay for much of it, but the cars stayed the whole time. There was a lot of interest, especially in the Super. Most people have never seen one.

Got a quick Father's Day drive in with the kids today also.