Packard Forum Index » General

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

Interesting question - here's what I carry in my kit
1. basic tools - wrenches, screwdrivers, elec. tape and a few spare bulbs and fuses.
2. Coil
3. Points and rotor
4. Fan belt
5. Hoses (I've been driving 55 years, and only needed a new hose once, but it made an impression on me)
6. quart of oil, and water jug
7.Check the air in the spare tire. It will be flat only when you need it.
8. If I were to be driving to CA, a spare fuel pump and maybe a water pump.

The cars are pretty reliable if you do the routine maintenance, which includes changing brake fluid, changing the oil, greasing the several hundred zerks and repacking the bearings. I've looked at the 120's you've been looking at and none of them look scary to me. Just buy the best one you can afford, and enjoy it! I wouldn't get a show car - I like one I can drive without worrying if a stone chip is going to ruin my zillion dollar paint job. I do like my cars to look good, but more important, they have to run well.

These were really extremely sound and well-engineered cars, among the very best on the road at the times. If there is a problem area one might point to the center link steering bearing lubrication, but otherwise any recurring problems are strictly due to poor maintenance and neglect.

That center bearing zero is one that the grease jockeys love to miss for some reason. Don't know why, it's easy to reach.

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

Packard "Super stores" - look at the websites for Kanter and Max Merritt. Also go to the Packardclub.org site and there is a "yellow pages" file on the main page that has names and addresses for numerous vendors that deal in things Packard.

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

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Garrett,

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this before - seriously consider joining your local Packard club. This by the looks of things is Silver Circle Packards in Nevada. The link to Silver Circle Packards here on PackardInfo didn't work but found one which did on the PAC Website.
PAC!

By making contact and joining a club you get to meet "the men that own them" up close and personal. You may also find your Packard this way if a member has one up for sale.

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

Garrett,

Having a closer look at the SCP Website I'm somewhat intrigued and amused by the names of the Committee and Members on this page.