There is a 1940 Packard 120 sedan convertible in the attached. The bumper extends well beyond what I think would be necessary for a factory luggage rack. Hopefully those of you who are experts in this era can tell me: 1) why would there be a longer bumper bracket?
2. The owner says he bought from a family who's parents owned a Packard dealership, and was always told it came that way from the factory. Was something like this ever offered as an option from Packard?

Thanks in advance for helping a rookie!!

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Rear Bumper Ext on 40 Packard 120.pdf Size: 41.79 KB; Hits: 74

The 1940 coupe is tempting, being close to my shop, but it has an engine from a.car that doesn’t exist. There were no Chrysler Imperials with a 440 as the last Chrysler Imperial was 1954. After that, Imperial was a separate make.

I had castings made to reproduce the mirror support on the belt line for my 42. if interested I can see if the molds are still available. Also will look for horns. Dell

The outside mirrors sit on top is the side mount covers if so equipped, or replace the stainless strip at the belt line on the cowl. The latter are hard to find. A door edge clamp on is a functional route if not factory correct

Thank you Howard. I did find new rubber to match. I am not sure if I will get the original style long battery or stay with the Optima. I may try to fabricate a panel.
Jerry

Max Merrit

What you have discovered is normal. The long battery case covered the area and opening was to allow the battery case side to be open to air so it could be ventilated by road air which was supposed to help keep the battery cool. When new there was a rubber lip stapled around all edges of the opening and when clamped down by the battery hold down the battery case side was pressed against the lip. The rubber formed a sort of seal to keep water and dirt out of the engine compartment.

With the advent of small Optima 6v batteries which more are using the opening is a big hole waiting for road splash to get in and all over everything. There are a few who have fabricated a cover but I don't have any photos.

Hi everyone, I am restoring my splash shields and fresh air intake system on my 49 Deluxe and I came across an opening on the driver's side upper shield that is behind the battery tray. Does anyone know if there is a removable panel that I am missing? It doesn't make sense to me that Packard would leave this open so all the mist and road debris would come up from the wheel through this and onto the battery and engine area. There was strips of rubber stapled around this opening. I'm not sure if the rubber was a seal or just anti rattle. Check out my picture and see what you think.
Thanks!

That did the trick Delll!
My handle rotates ccw to unlatch.
Thanks so much!
I wish I would have found this forum sooner.
I looked on line for a week with no luck.
I was afraid to force the handle in fear of breaking something.
Not sure where to find replacement parts yet.
My question was answered in a couple of hours on packardinfo

No thanks, I've got enough already!