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10-2-13

Tried to measure out Larry51's measurements. Looks like they are about where mine should be. Couldn't use the 30" mark because the door is not that big. I had trouble getting really accurate because I only have tape measures so I think I will cut some wood the length of the measurement to make it easier.

Using Larry's 3/16" recommended gap, I reset the rocker and found some more areas in the front I can trim. I also temporarily bolted the rear outrigger to help support the rocker while I take measurements next time.

4-18-14

Distracted by shiny objects...thought I had a quick way out with this car from craigslist (see this thread)

Since doing a different car never was an option before, this is a real development. I have yet to find another car in this price range near me so I will keep my eyes out.

I will now approach this car with a don't give a sh*t attitude. If I end up needing some body filler, so be it.

In the meantime with nothing else to do, I bolted and welded the front outrigger and did another trial fit of the rocker piece. This may all be academic, but it keeps me off the streets and joining a gang!

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4-20-14

...Oh fudge! Only I didn't say fudge...

Apparently a 54 Cavalier is longer than a 51 200! I thought I had read the spec page right but I guess I messed up. I believe the 51 200 is 122" and the 54 Cavalier is 127".

Yesterday I tacked a metal strip along the front rocker to keep it as straight as I could compared to the rocker I had left on my car. I welded in the floor braces and the front area under the hinge. I figure I will not go much further in case some adjustment needs to be made. The pic attached shows how it looks with the door closed. Looks a little off, but the door is jacked up and the body is not bolted up or anything.

Today I took out the rear seat and pulled up as much of the rubber sound deadening material as I could. After a quick vacuum I laid the replacement rear rocker in place and that is when I discovered my error. Damn! I guess in theory I will need to cut out 5" from it and reweld it. Bummer! Oh well, it will be some more practice and if I am lucky, I will be able to cut it where the bad part is on the replacement rocker.

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Ok this is not close, but thought I would post

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4431665647.html

Lol I just looked at that one today! I wish I had experience and knowledge about shipping cars.

I hear you, trying to get a car delivered from Chicago area myself.
Just got off the phone with a driver who does west to east, but not north and south.

I saw this one toohttp://peoria.craigslist.org/cto/4430190649.html also not close. The one you posted is a stick which I find to be more desirable than the auto. I really want a 51, but I guess I could get a different year and add my 51 touches.

Seller added new info on the black '52. Says the title reads 1952 Packard, but the vin number used was the motor number. The motor must have been changed so now it does not match. That sounds like a major barrier to buying the car. I don't think a car hauler will take it if they cannot match the vin to the title.

Seller added new info on the black '52. Says the title reads 1952 Packard, but the vin number used was the motor number. The motor must have been changed so now it does not match. That sounds like a major barrier to buying the car. I don't think a car hauler will take it if they cannot match the vin to the title.

Man, the more I look at that black car I'm realizing how much I want it!

5-5-14

Today is the beginning of the end....

In a strange twist of fate, the stars aligned and I purchased the black '52 200 Deluxe. The deal I made with the wife is that the other car has to go. So figuring no one on earth would want this car as a project, I will start taking it apart and preparing it to be scrapped. I will probably keep the trim, motor & trans. I have no use for the windshield or back glass. Also I plan on "paying it forward" buy cutting out any sections of the body that someone else may be able to use before scrapping. I will offer up the parts I bought from the '54 Cavalier as well.

It's been a long, frustrating, interesting and rewarding experience with this car. I have no regrets. If it was not for this car, I would not have the knowledge I have today and the ability and guts to fix my modern daily drivers.

Thank you all for your help over the years answering my questions, offering advice, and putting up with my ramblings. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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