Re: Weight Distribution- Convertible Coupe

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/4/14 20:24:34

The fact that Packard used a different spring rate on cars with factory sidemounts tells me that they were diligent about matching the springs to the weight range of the individual car. A pair of sidemounts with covers and brackets would add about as much weight up front as 2 large men riding in a coupe. The pair of sidemounts would raise the center of gravity very slightly. The heavy Packard chassis and engine rode pretty low, and as heavy as the engine was, most of its mass was down low in the crankshaft and skirted block, and well back of the front axle in, in the bellhousing and flywheel/clutch and down within the frame rails. Double acting shocks all around and a roll bar in the back helped stabilize the car. I believe the 120 C cars had about the best suspension on the road in 1937, and the convertible coupe was probably the ideal body style to take maximum advantage of the chassis layout and the suspension's competence. For myself, I'll stick with a single spare in the trunk and keep the gas tank half full or more. New springs are available for pre-war Packards, but how accurately they match any particular car's orignal equipment springs, I do not know.

Didn't FDR ride in a sidemounted Packard?

I have little use for FDR, except as a war president, but I've been a Packard fan for over 60 years, from JFK right through today.