Classic Car Restoration

Mark Lambert introduces the 1938 Packard Club Coupe project car and evaluates the exterior, engine and interior. Then he goes through the history of Packard before revealing the straight-eight engine with the help of Keller Wallace.

Mark Lambert performs an engine compression test and radiator flow test to find the cause of the over-heating. Then he flushes the cooling system and installs a correct thermostat and temporary radiator.

Mark Lambert demonstrates the basics of the ignition system. He removes the distributor and rebuilds the points of the ignition system, then re-installs the distributor and adjusts it. Lastly, he adjusts the timing and replaces the spark plugs and wires.

Mark Lambert presents fuel safety issues, fuel products for classic cars and then assesses the fuel system. Then he removes, cleans and rebuilds the carburetor. Lastly, he installs the rebuilt carburetor and adjusts the idle richness.

Mark Lambert evaluates the brake system, checking the hoses and master cylinder. He removes and rebuilds the master cylinder, then shows how to make new brake lines using a metal tubing bender. Lastly, he bleeds the brakes and makes the final adjustments.

Mark Lambert addresses the Packard's steering system by disconnecting the pitman arm and adjusting the steering box. Then he pulls the steering crank arm rebuilds it. Lastly he re-installs the steering crank arm, and lubricates and adjusts the system.

Host Mark Lambert evaluates the timing system and replaces the timing chain. Then he and Keller Wallace finish up the mechanical part of our restoration, before adding a final touch, installing a new original hood ornament, the Packard Goddess of Speed.

Mark explains the Packard's electrical system and wiring harness, and shows how to repair wiring. He also installs sealed beam headlights on our car, before moving on to making hard-to-find parts such as taillight lenses using a mold and casting system.

Mark addresses the 1938 Packard's cosmetics, showing how to color-sand and polish the exterior paint. He shows how to clean period-correct wool broadcloth upholstery, pinstripes a wheel and looks at the wide whitewall tires that he'll install on the car.

Mark puts some finishing touches on the Packard, including polishing the bumpers and installing swan-neck mirrors, a license plate bracket and an original dashboard clock. He also shows road bags and tool kits before taking the finished car for a spin.