Re: Hub Cap CLOISSONE

Posted by Highlander160 On 2015/10/31 14:43:48

Sounds like semantics to me. If you bring a car back to an authentic state, specifically a Packard, unless you have some form of paper record as to what 739-32 was, or it's in unbelievable and complete condition with enough original paint left to determine it's color, then making it authentic is still R E S T O R A T I O N. Does every Model A Ford that's been restored have some paper trail to PROVE that it was black, blue, Copra Drab, green? Of course not. You want "as-was" restoration activity? Do a muscle car that has tags and codes. And FWIW, I never thought of even the finest of heavy American Classic cars in the same vein as a "Van Gogh" or any other singular form of art. Many times these discussions end up sounding like they're watered with "Haterade", or like sour grapes. Based on this topic and replies, suppose I find a 34 718 2-4 coupe. Decades ago someone painted it in really ugly colors and stripped it before hand. No photo record exists of it's condition before, little known history. I buy it, restore it to all Packard Blue with Gold Bronze pin stripes, blackwall tires, blue wheels, a black leather interior with a dark grey cloth headliner, neutral tan hogshair carpet bound in black leather, all the correct wiring, decals, tags, fit and finish, gauges, etc, etc, etc. According to that thought it's wrong. Why? In my mind's eye I see it as done to the most demanding of detail and known info and color/chrome/stripe options. I'd even paint the top insert material body color. Why? Because that's how it was done. That's how I would want it. I'd also want it devoid of any chrome acorn nuts or any number of other available engine dress of the time. I'd have the wiring wrapped in metal bands just like they were and the fender welt would be body color as well. And since it was the topic starter, the letter field and stripes on the caps would also be Packard Blue. I'd expect it to be a contender for an "Alvan MacCauley" award as well because my documentation and OEM photos would be with it at the time of judging to remove any doubts as to it's authentic restoration and presentation. I honestly believe that unless someone drinks a big jug of the aforementioned Haterade that nothing I presented in that hypothetical is wrong or not in keeping with the preservation of the marque. Oh snap, I forgot to mention that it would also have a painted shell and a rear spare. Once again, just sayin, and I'd be happy to help anyone sort out things if they're embarking on a proper restoration of a 33-4 Packard, but the parts book, "Packard The Complete History" by Kimes, and an available plethora of factory or period photos are available at swap meets to confirm anything one would like to know. I've been at this for 43 years, and in the last 12 to 15 years I've learned more than all the other years prior.