http://www.ebay.com/itm/Packard-Standard-833-5P-31-833-5P-Coupe-straight-eight-manual-transmission-restored-/171387668813?forcerrptr=true&hash=item27e780494d&item=171387668813&pt=US_Cars_Trucks


After broaching the topic of artillery wheels, I was surprised to see this 1931 Pack on ebay with artillery wheels.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Excellent advice. I didn't think about there being a local Packard club. Yes, that would be a great way to meet owners and network.

kind regards
Garrett M

Thank you for the direction. I'll check out the Packard "Yellow Pages."

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Thank you for your list and input. It has the ring of sound advice to me.

Now, where in the world do you get those extra parts? Is there a Packard "super store"?

I'm also glad to get your validation regarding the cars I've been looking at. You've gotten a good idea of the kind of car and price range. I can see now that I can get into a reliable Pack 120 for between 25k and 28K.

If I pay that kind of money, I'm going to drive the thing.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

What are the top three to five most commonly re-occurring mechanical problems for pre-War II Pack 120's?

Also, what extra parts should be kept in reserve just in case?

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Ah, yes. That's more like it. You're correct, it is a beautiful car. Where would have the battery have originally been located? And why would it have been moved, not that it is a problem. Does moving the battery compromise the function of the engine in any way?

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Relative to Packs, which is easier to drive: shift on the floor or column? Or does it matter?

I learned to drive with the shift on the column because both my parents had cars with shifts on the columns. Later, I got a car with a shift on the floor, and I can't say that I preferred one over the other. However, having the shift on the column did make for it roomier in the knee area and having to reach over and pick stuff up off the passenger-side floor-board.

Kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Man, I feel like an absolute heel for saying this, but I just can't abide the yellow. I agree, it is excellent in every capacity, and the price is great, but the banana cream-pie yellow is a bit much for me. Besides, I've got to marshall my finances.

Please don't think I'm unappreciative for the suggestion. It is good know, however, what is available.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Hi Bernie!

Wow, what a a great and inspiring story detailing the start of your love affair with classic cars.

My desire to own a pre-War II Packard is the confluence of two factors.

One, when I was in high school I was on the school newspaper and was able to scoop an interview with the then governor of Louisiana--who later went to federal prison. I asked him what advice he had for young people. He said, "Always dare to be different." I never forgot that. Over the course of my life, whenever I have dared to be different, it has paid off, usually positively. As such, I can just imagine myself tooling down the highway sitting proudly behind the banjo-wheel of a 120 or Senior Packard and having people smile and wave as they drive by.

Factor two is having that indefinable "something" that makes whatever appealing. For me, it has always been cars of the 1930s, specifically Packards.

So, coupling the indefinable something with daring to be different, is what motivates me. Of course, visualizing what it is you desire can be mighty helpful as well.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Darn! Something else I forgot to consider, insurance. It did cross my mind what if someone ran into your Packard when you took it to Super Walmart just to get it out of the garage for a while? Lord, I'd probably faint on the spot.

Aren't there "classic car" insurers?

Kind regards
Garrett Meadows