Classic/Antique Car Repair: 37 Packard 6, hemmings motor news, weight oil

Question
2 part question:
- what type and weight oil goes in the lever type shocks?
- are fuel tank sender units available for my car, orig unit not working.
Thanks Much - Gary in Marietta Georgia.

Answer
Originally, those shocks used a fluid which was very similar to hydraulic jack oil, which is OK to use if the shocks are in good condition and do not leak.  But most of them tend to seep the thin oil out quickly.  People who live in the southern states, like you and I, can use STP in the shocks - it will stay in there a lot longer, and also give you a better handling car, although with a somewhat firmer ride.  If you want to use the original type oil, contact one of the shock rebuilder outfits and buy oil from them, or use jack oil - it's just about the same stuff.

Tank senders can be rebuilt - there are folks who advertise that service in Hemmings Motor News - under "services" in the classified section.  There are no new ones available.   Your sender might not be too hard to repair, depending on what is wrong with it. If the float has lost its ability to float, it can be repaired or replaced pretty easily.  If the problem is electrical, you'll need a pro to fix it, most likely.

Good luck!

Dick