It is possible to retrofit a late model (mid 80's) Toyota 5spd box into the Packard, but it not for amateurs...you gotta be willing to compromise something.
Honestly, I'd think you'd be best to get used to a non-syncho 1st gear, or on second priority, install a hill holder/line-lock if you are having trouble launching from hills.

Two quick armchair comments - first, have you checked the accuracy of your dash gauge ( I have alternated original and common aftermarket gauges when doing diagnostic testing), and second, please confirm that you removed and cleaned the water distribution tube when you rebuilt your engine.
Can you please post a picture/details of your electric fan installation?

Mal - I mistakenly believed what is said in the Chatroom stays in the Chatroom, so I will no longer throw (what will become perpetual) darts. The snubber project started out as a fun challenge - and has morphed into something else. We have identified the perfect replacement, slightly larger heavy duty unit (note where the original is often found bent), however I have NOT been able to find a machine shop to cut down the mounting post to the correct dimension, and also LH threading the stem has been a request resulting in blank stares. I'd look harder for a shop to do this, but the financials of marketing a replacement snubber may diminish the value of my retirement nest egg of the worlds largest inventory of NOS snubbers.

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Agreed, and you should buy it for that, and either have his/her cars, or sell your driver for a little bit more to someone who simply wants a car that is already sorted out (now that your knuckles have healed), and you may net a little bit of money to invest in the resurrection of a car with overdrive...

OK, and if you still must have a banjo wheel, I have one I would either sell or trade. One used 39-40 Banjo wheel, restoration candidate, i.e. good spokes and hub, horrible perimeter plastic, of course. $240.40 delivered, or half that if I get your H wheel, or make me an offer.

Yes, that is commonly referred to as the "H" wheel, vs. the "K"wheel (41-47 Banjo Accy.).
I have a 39-40 Junior standard wheel here if you prefer being correct, decent used, $100, but personally, I would keep the "H" wheel, if even to twist the brains of many Packard guys...not a common wheel. DAF

The "H" pattern wheel is 1939 and 1940 factory base wheel for the Senior cars. It is uncommonly seen on the 39-40 junior cars.

My point exactly, and if the 38 is indeed a running/driving car, then a reasonable market price in my observation. 20K for a non-driving 6cyl sedan is overly optimistic in my opinion. Not to swerve far off topic, but How's the picklemobile?

I agree with West and am adding my support as such because if you really want to sell it, be realistic, especially as the car has not been maintained in 40 years, meaning expensive overhauls of brake, cooling, fuel, electrical systems. One important accessory that will impact the marketability of the car is the overdrive. 15K is top end, serviced, in the right market. 8-10K as is.

Don is OK - i spoke with his wife yesterday.