Re: 1929 640 Phaeton top bow pattern

Posted by DavidM On 2015/11/27 19:56:51

The drawings are correct they are copied from original Packard literature from the era.
Keep in mind that the elevation dimensions are at the centre line of the car. I used the same Packard drawings for a 633 Roadster to set up the bows, irons and top by scaling the drawings up to a much larger size then measuring additional dimensions from the drawing. After a lot of time it became obvious where the irons needed to be attached to achieve the top profile. I bought my bows from a man who specialized in making steam bent top bows but he was unable to achieve the tight radius of the originals.
If had to do another car (and I am trying to get cured of this disease!) I would make the bows myself by laminating and gluing thin sections around a a former of the required radius and width. I have seen the results of this method and they were very good.
Obviously if you can access an original 640 Phaeton that would simplify the job.
Phaeton or Touring? Here in Australia we generally call them all Tourers but I think your distinction is strictly correct.