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No relation to ole Bev, although with the Packard knowledge I am going to need maybe I need to look her up and invite her to the family reunion, if she is still kicking.

Beverly passed away in 2008 at age 68.

When I got into this 'crazy' hobby/obsession in 1963, I lived a half mile from the restoration shop, Wilkinson & Sharp, north of Philly. They were restoring a 1934 Super Eight convertible coupe. One day I overheard the owner of the Packard comment to a friend...."I've got $5,000 in it...I'll never get it back out!!!"
Some people restore cars to make money...
Some people restore cars because they want to...for 50 different reasons.

It takes all kinds to make a world!

"I commend anyone who goes to the extreme effort to save another Packard from oblivion". And I approve that message as I have 30K into my Packard Pacific and I don't even know what it's worth.

Hi

Welcome to the most resourceful, knowledgeable and generous Packard Forum. You certainly are taking on an ambitious project. As you note, its the journey as much as the destination. You've received many objective, honest perspectives on the economics of such a project. What I'd suggest since it is uneconomic to fully restore a sedan so far gone, that you first fully restore the chassis, fenders, cowl and forward sheet metal.

Then, as Rodbuilder is doing, build a '37 coupe-roadster-style body as a replacement for the sedan. Doesn't have to be a boat-tail and all-steel but the same approach. Shortened the behind widened doors to delete the golfbag door and a sweeping sloped deck. You will not only have a Packard to enjoy, of which to be proud, but also return one more to the road. Best wishes with your project, we'll all be standing by with help and encouragement.

Steve

Thanks for all the suggestions, we will see what I end up doing with her, maybe if the engine is not salvageable I will end up parting her out, but if possible going to try to save the ole gal regardless of how upside down it is economically, besides how much value should I put on all the fun I am having taking her apart. Told my wife Saturday I don't know how long it has been since I had so much fun working, no customers asking when their project is going to be done, no deadline, all new things to learn, etc, at any rate...

Spent some time removing the fenders, radiator, etc. Will continue removing bits until I get down to the frame. The plan is once I get down to the frame, check out the engine then I will be able to tell more about how feasible it is to put her back the way she should be. So far the frame isn't as rusted as I thought it would be. Part of her history must have been in a sandy soil location as most of the dirt on the frame is sandy, maybe that allowed it to dry out better, if she was in Virginia long obviously wouldn't have seen as much salt down there.

Trying to get the body off this week and go from there.

Thanks again for the comments and suggestions.

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Worked last week and got the body off the frame, frame doesn't seem to be in too bad a shape. Also got the frame up on saw horses which should eliminate some rolling around on the floor. Need to get the mess cleaned up and will work this week on checking out the condition of the engine by removing the head, valve cover and oil pan.

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ahhhh i remember these days on my 55. good times.

Those are easily the most impressive sawhorses I have ever seen. I am jealous and want a pair.

i wonder how heavy they are....they look heavy