The trim piece that runs the length of the hood needs to slide back a couple 2 to 3 inches. There are some nuts that you can loosen from under the hood. Then, push back on the base of the hood ornament and lift. It's only on there by friction.

Biggest risk with car covers used outdoors that I've heard of is that they tend to trap moisture beneath the cover and greatly accelerate damage to the car's exterior and interior from the resultant humidity.

EDIT - assuming that's true, probably a carport-like enclosure that permitted air to circulate would be better.

Just to elaborate a bit on the previous answer, the VIN numbers of today have a format dictated by Federal regulation and such was not the case when Packard was in business, all manufacturers used their own formats and systems. But Packards have vehicle numbers (VNs) which appear on the Patent Plate (from the 20s thru 1953?) and on the vehicle number plate from 1954 thru 1956. The vehicle number,depending on the vintage of your car, can tell you which series or year, model or chassis, body style, and an approximation of its placement in the production sequence for that model. But things like date of manufacture can only be obtained if you can find the "build slip" or obtain a copy of it, and precious few of these remain. Using casting dates from engine blocks and the like is not particularly useful in this regard.

From 1929 on they also have a "body serial number" or thief-proof number embossed on the firewall in large numbers usually bracketed at the ends by triangles. These can also be useful in guestimating whether a particular car is early or late production.

Why not just post your vehicle numbers and see what we can tell you about it?

Technically, no Packard has a VIN number. If you tell the friendly folks here which numbers (data plate, engine, body) you have, we'll try to help. Also, have you looked for the build sheet - there are some typical places these are tucked away.

Night Owl,
Since you are having overheating problems, you might invest in a cheap ($30-40) infared thermometer. Perhaps, you can borrow one. It will allow you to take temp readings at various places on the block.

My thought is to see if the rear of the block (cyl 6-8) is running hotter than the front, or if there are hotspots. That might indicate 'water distribution' problems.

Radiator needs to be checked out as well and is the usual culprit in these things. I also changed from a 180 degree thermostat to a 160 (even running w/o one in summer.

Good Luck. Keep cool.

DanL

Hi all! I'm trying to find out background info on my car, day it was made and such. I've done it with other vehicles, but this one has me stumped. Does anyone out there have a link that I can type in my VIN and get this information? Thanks!

Looking for tips / guidance on storing my Packard outdoors all winter (I live in Delaware). Long story, but I am "garage challenged".

If I use an outdoor cover, will the paint get abraded as the cover moves with the wind ? Do I want the cover really tight ? Loose ? Vented ? This would be on gravel/grass.

Is there any system to use talc or something to create slip between cover and paint ?

Maybe this is nuts, anyone ever shrink-wrap a car (like they do boats) ? I'm investigating a bunch of storage possibilities - some have a carport roof.

The car's a driver - but I'd hate to mar / damage over winter.

Appreciate any thoughts or weblinks - thanks !!!

Ken -

Not my intent to start a debate, but I'd read that it was Teague who was responsible. So, I went back and checked again.

Yes, I found where Dawes ...1942-1962 states, on pg. 161, that the '57:

Quote:
...and, on pg. 165, that:

Quote:
However, Kimes' History... states, on pg. 621:

Quote:
Mind you that statement followed the passage about Black Bess being cut up.

Then, on pg. 624, it further states:

Quote:

Then, Langworth's ...Buyer's Guide credits Teague for the work in the text on pg. 139 and in a photo caption on pg. 140.

I couldn't find any reference in Turnquist's ...Story or Ward's Fall.... The former is slanted toward the prewar years, with a scant few pages on the end of days, while the latter is more concerned with the behind-the-scenes deal-brokering and figures on saving S-P from total collapse.

Hard to say who is correct.

Quote:
John,

Will do, pity you couldn't make it but there's always next year. However there will be a little bit of "Appin" accompanying us on the trip, courtesy of Annet's creative fingers, because the running boards won't be recovered in time.

And Kev,

Picture and access problems solved by #1 son tonight. A box had been checked so I couldn't see pic's. Will have to ensure the little angel keeps her distance from the keyboard in future.

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<p>Predictor wrote:</p>
Quote:
<p>I left out a whole lot of orphan car brands (Plymouth, Hudson, etc.) because I personally do not work on them or try to restore them. Therefore, I am not masochistic (def: pleasure in being abused) about them. I let other people have that "pleasure."</p>
<p>Craig</p>