Re: Hello! Newbie Questions from potential Packard owner

Posted by Joe Santana On 2022/5/31 15:15:51

My I ate mechanical ability is non-existent, so the last 10 years or so I’ve relied on the people here. I may attempt to fix something myself, but even with help it usually takes me 3 or 5 times to get something back together perfectly right without breaking anything or hurting myself. A car in the range you’re considering should be done, drivable, reliable as an old car can be and ready to tour.? It should be complete and correct within reason.
If you believe life begins at conception, I’m 80 and still “work” on my car. When The Packard Person in my area isn’t available and I can’t or don’t want to do something myself, I take to the local muscle shop, a clean up to date shop with a few older guys who know carburetors and distributor timing. They have the lifts and equipment to pull a transmission a lot easier than I can, though I’ve done it to replace a clutch. When something doesn’t work after I fix it, I take a lot of pix and post them here and get help. IMHO someone selling an old Packard for $75k and up should have addressed all known issues unless the car is a custom bodied 12 from the ‘30s. If the seller will take you on a 2-hour test drive going over 40mph without any problems like overheating, low oil pressure, smoking exhaust or brakes, dying at a long idle at running temp, you’re prob good to go. And you should love the car, adore it, because you’ll undoubtedly be called upon to make sacrifices for it.