Is there a way to secure the jack, base, and lug wrench in the trunk of my 23rd Series Deluxe Eight so they won't rattle? I seem to remember that the new Packards of that era came from the factory with all the above in a tapered cardboard box. Were they supposed to stay in that box, or was there some way to bolt them down? The box, I'm afraid, is long gone.

Steve

Thanks. I used POR-15 years ago. Just ordered a can for the trunk. Good idea.

I'm taking the material off the trunk floor (only) because I did find moisture. There is no significant rust, I'm glad to say. I'm thinking I may clean it all up, paint it with Rustoleum, and spray it with a heavy coat of bedliner. Hopefully this will discourage rust and replace the sound deadening material. I'm also thinking to replace the thin, cheapo factory liner with a piece of carpet. I guess I'm only 95% purist.

Again, I appreciate all the good information about this.

I nearly forgot about the Registry. Glad you are doing that, and thanks for the reminder. I just added the car.

Thanks for all the replies. I just bought this car. It is a 1949 Deluxe Eight, so lower-end applies, and it has the thin trunk mat. This is a 29,000-actual-mile car and was owned for a while by the Volo Museum. It was purchased from them and sat in an unheated garage for 25 years. Not sure who decided to undercoat the trunk interior, but I'm in the process of chipping it all off. The trunk floor is still solid, but I'm finding moisture under the undercoating in some places. I may look into the flocking, and I'll probably go for a non-authentic fitted and bound carpet.

Does anyone know whether the Packard factory sprayed the inside of 23rd Series trunks with undercoating? I can't tell whether what I'm finding is from the factory or part of a previous restoration.

Thanks,

Steve

I just bought a 1949 23rd Series Deluxe Eight sedan that sat in a garage for 25 years with some of the tires flat. I know I have to replace the tires to have any kind of safety on the road. The tires on the car now are H78-15 (tubeless) with 3-1/2 inch wide whitewalls.

I can't find any information on the internet as to correct whitewall width for the period. I'm considering radials, as I'd like this to be a road car. I hear good things about Diamondback radials, but I've always bought from Coker. Coker radials seem to be offered in 2-3/4 inch whitewalls only, 3/4 inches smaller than those on the car now.

Does anybody have recommendations about whitewall width in 1949 and/or use of radial tires on this car? Will the 1949 wheels stand up to the stress of radials? Should I have tubes added if I buy radials? Also, what do you think about Coker vs. Diamondback...or perhaps others?

If possible, I'd like to buy tires for this car only once, so any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve in Indiana

Todd:

Takes me back somewhat. I knew Fred and Carol and met the parents, saw that car back when. Glad to hear it's in good hands.

Where did the time go?

Steve

I'm looking at a 1952 Mayfair that is advertised as "factory original." The wheel covers have cloisonne centers (like the 22nd/23rd Series Customs), finned headlight bezels like the 1954 models, and chrome "tailfins" like my '53 Patrician had.. I'm not an expert on this series, so I'm wondering whether any of these items were offered in 1952 as accessories, and therefore "legal."

I can buy correct wheel covers and headlight bezels if they aren't factory correct, but those chrome fins on top of the rear quarters are going to have holes under them.

It all looks nice, but I like authenticity best.

Any help from people more knowledgeable than I will be appreciated.


Steve in Indiana

Thanks for all the replies. They were, as usual, very helpful.

After speaking at length with the seller, and having been unsuccessful in arriving at a mutually acceptable price, I have decided to look further for my next Packard. With luck, I may even find one located closer to home. There's still a lot of time left before spring.

I am really glad I found this website.