parts availability for pre-war models?

Posted by megamotorhead On 2014/7/22 6:23:59

I've got a few broad questions for you experienced Packard folks. I'm an experienced "old car guy" who's considering whether to dive into the Packard world, and if so, which one. But first, I need to know about the parts situation.

Now, I've been messing with '55-57 Chevys for about 25 years. I can take one apart and put it back together. I know what's correct and what isn't, down to finding discrepancies between various pieces of factory documentation.

But - I've got this thing for pre-war Packards.

True story: When I go to a car show like the big AACA show in Hershey, PA, I'm always careful to walk down each row instead of skipping around. But - when at Hershey, I've been known to walk right by a Duesenberg to go look at a Packard. This has happened more than once. So, I guess I know what I like!

For purposes of this discussion, let's focus on 2 groups of Packards: those built around 1929-32, and those from about 1936-39.

In both cases, I prefer the smaller Packards - the earlier 626, 633, 733, etc. and the later 110, 115, and 120 (depending on whether you want a 6 or 8 cylinder). For years, I've tended to be drawn to the late '30s models, but in recent years, the late '20s/early '30s ones are really catching my eye. Hence the following question.

Doing some digging around, it looks like the parts situation for the late '30s Packards is much better than the earlier ones. Parts seem to be reasonably available, and the prices not too staggering. The earlier ones however, are another story - tough to find, and even tougher to pay for. Is that an accurate assessment?

I see that Egge still carries engine kits for the late '20s (bring your checkbook, but it's available). But, there's a host of other stuff - ignition parts, brake parts, kingpins, bearings, clutches, etc. Where do you find that stuff for the circa 1930 models, and how bad are the prices? (I've seen people on eBay asking $300 for a distributor cap . Sorry, that's a little rich for my blood.) Also, are any metal trim parts reproduced, or do you just have to find good used ones? What about other reproduction parts - knobs, switches, rubber parts, etc.?

And - who are your favorite parts vendors for each of these cars? It looks like Kanter and Max Merritt are the biggest vendors. Would it be an exaggeration to say "they call the shots" as far as parts availability? Are there other major suppliers for Packard-specific parts? Any that you "check with him first" versus "check with him as a last resort"?

How would you gauge the overall trends in parts availability? Is the supply improving, declining, or about the same over the past decade or two? Likewise, what is the trend in parts prices?

Finally, what are the pros and cons of the "junior" Packards of each era? Are there "known problems" I need to be aware of?

While I really like both eras of Packards equally well, getting behind the wheel of a few for sale may make up my mind. Having driven Model A Fords, I'm familiar with manual spark advance and unsynchronized transmissions. But, it's not yet clear which era I'll like better from behind the wheel as opposed to standing in front of it.

So, I'm looking for advice and constructive criticism. Thanks in advance!