So on glancing at my door tag, I discovered that my car was once upon a time, not two toned, but instead, completely painted Scottish Heather code K. I was wondering if anyone knows of any that are still around wearing only Scottish Heather? Seems like it might be a bit much, without the contrasting color, but who knows.

Sean,

So very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. This sad news hits all of us in the Packard community, as we all enjoyed your fathers blog, and the many insights offered within. I do wish you and your family the best, and hope that one day you will continue your fathers project.

Sincerely,
Jack Klat

I can tell you from personal experience NOT to use Bumper Depot. They basically "flash chrome" everything, and do not use copper under their chrome, which causes the plating to fail in very short order. Janet, the manager, will tell you that their plating process is done "the old fashioned way", but it's all a lie. I purchased front and rear bumpers for a friends 1956 Ford from them.

A little over a year later, the chrome is flaking off on both bumpers. Keep in mind that this is a car that is seldom driven, and kept inside, in a dry garage.

I have since been using LKQ, and have not had any problems. They offer a lifetime warranty on their plating, whereas most places offer a year, or two years. Go for the shops that have been around and offer the lifetime warranty... it's well worth it!

Any type of "flash chrome" or "spray chrome" will not last. The spray chrome is beautiful when applied, but is not hard, like real chromium plating, and will scratch, much like the paint on your car.

Just looking at the Ronald McDonald car makes one want to buy paint stripper, and repaint that car some nice, proper color....

Personally, I have always admired these "Soviet Packards". I have seen and have worked on a Gaz-13 "Chaika" and had the opportunity to examine and drive a Zil 111. The differences between the two are like buying an off the rack suit, versus having one tailor made.

The "Chaika" is a well built, but not really a luxurious vehicle. It is more taxi like, in that it is basically built to last several life times. It of course shares Packard influenced styling, and even uses Packard window switches, but cannot be compared to a Packard built automobile. There are items such as the very flimsy grille assembly, which defy logic, but in all, the car is interesting, and to the average American, could pass for a 1950's American car.

The Zil on the other hand was only built for the "creme de la creme" of the Soviet party, no expense spared, and no two exactly alike. The first thing that people fail to realize about Zil cars is that they are truly larger than life. If the designers intent was to intimidate the masses, then they truly succeeded in doing so.

The Zil I had the pleasure of inspecting and driving was a 1960 model, 111. It had acres of high quality chrome plating, and flawless body panels, best of all, it was an original car, never restored or tampered with. It lacked any of the "crudeness" of the the Chaika, and everything fit together perfectly. What amazed me was that the Soviets "borrowed" Packard styling, because in their eyes, Packard was the top of the hill, as far as American cars... not to mention, Stalin loved Packards. Even after his death, the tradition of copying Packard styling carried on.

The Soviets were famous for copying whatever they liked, and looking at the dash panel and steering wheel of a Zil -111, both are very close copies of a 1956 Cadillac Dash. The unit I drove had all of the luxury features, power windows, antenna, seat, steering brakes, divider window, and even A/C. The front seat was very soft black leather, and the rear was of a wool broadcloth type material... very luxurious. This car was also equipped with curtains in the rear windows, as was the fashion for cars of the party elite.

I was allowed to drive the car on the owner's vast estate, and was very impressed with both the power and ride quality. It is strange driving something "so American looking", yet looking down and seeing Cyrillic lettering on everything. Power steering was effortless, as was to be expected in a high end limousine. As the owner of a'56 Cadillac Fleetwood 75, I have to say that the Zil was a better car in all respects.. remember, "cost no object" construction!

Opening the hood of the car, I saw what looked to be a close copy of a Chrysler power brake booster, and similar copies of components from other brands. Like the Chaika, the Zil had radiator shutters to cope with harsh Russian winters. All components were thoughtfully laid out, with ease of access and service in mind.

The rear compartment of the car was very comfortable.. couch like rear seat, perfect stitching and padding. A/C controls for the rear passengers as well as a radio, ash trays and lighters, very similar to my Fleetwood 75.

While some may criticize the "excess" of chrome found on the Zil.. just remember the '58 Buicks and Oldsmobiles. Perhaps the bias is that we choose to judge these cars as "Packards", and in reality, they are something far more special.

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Yes, the tanks used in the Henney vehicles are indeed different. They are narrower than a stock tank, and as mentioned, have the whistle. The sending unit has screws to retain it to the top of the tank as well. In the case of my hearse, (51 model) the narrower tank is needed to accommodate the compartment used for storing the "church truck", or casket dolly. I currently have my tank removed and will be happy to post measurements to illustrate the difference.

Bob,

I think the seller will find out that his unfortunate choice of colors will not at all help his sale... especially at the asking price!

With those colors, hopefully someone from McDonald's buys that '35 Super 8 limo..

I will take some photos today.

My '56 400 has the push button set up with the 4L60E transmission, and all of the positions work as they would have with the Ultramatic. It seems that the rod which goes from the selector motor has been altered to correspond with the more modern transmission.