Just bought a 1941 Packard 120 - Considering a frame off resto
Posted by 1941Packard On 2023/11/16 0:07:39
I'm new to Packards and vehicles of this vintage, so please forgive my ignorance. I saw this 120 available and always wanted an old car with a straight 8, so here we go.
Someone started restoring it some years back, but never got it road worthy. The battery was from 2010, so I assume that's the last time it was fooled with. The body/chrome is pretty nice as a driver. A lot from the dash is missing or torn up. I am told the motor turns over, but that's all the info the guy I bought it from had. He didn't know much about the car. I plan to put some marvel oil down the cylinders for a couple days and then check the crank. The water pump is totally froze, and the carb throttle plate might be as well.. The brakes don't work. It is an overdrive manual trans.
My fear is that someone started fixing this car and gave up because the engine/trans had a major issue. The oil looks a little funny and the oil pan is bright green. Is that a factory color? It looks like someone had it off and painted it...I see parts of the block that same green, so maybe it's an original color? I just hope the engine is rebuildable, if it does have a major issue.
My thoughts/plans:
Do the minimal amount of work to make it running and see how the engine/transmission work.
Take the body off the frame so I can sandblast and POR15 the frame, rear end, suspension parts, underside of body, etc..
Replace all bushings/tie rods/bearing/seals/body mounts that can be replaced.
Upgrade to power disc brakes
Switch to 12V wiring (the original wiring is a complete cluster**** and falling apart).
Rebuild/Repair the original drivetrain as needed.
The interior/dash area is such a mess, but I'm not going to worry about that until the rest of the car is roadworthy.
I'm obviously a little concerned about parts availability working on something so old. My last project was from 1972, and I was having trouble finding basic parts for it... It looks like Kanter has quite a bit for Packards, but my 1941 120 is not listed as one they have a bushing kit for. I will call them and find out.
I should add, I couldn't care less about making the car perfectly original or impressing judges at car shows, etc... I just want to make this car a safe driver that I can feel comfortable taking out on nice days.
I appreciate any guidance and suggestions!
Attach file:
IMG_7064.jpg (135.43 KB)
IMG_7063.jpg (134.69 KB)
IMG_7065.jpg (129.78 KB)
IMG_7029.jpg (441.45 KB)
IMG_7071.jpg (167.84 KB)
IMG_7033.jpg (312.60 KB)
IMG_7091.jpg (337.00 KB)
Someone started restoring it some years back, but never got it road worthy. The battery was from 2010, so I assume that's the last time it was fooled with. The body/chrome is pretty nice as a driver. A lot from the dash is missing or torn up. I am told the motor turns over, but that's all the info the guy I bought it from had. He didn't know much about the car. I plan to put some marvel oil down the cylinders for a couple days and then check the crank. The water pump is totally froze, and the carb throttle plate might be as well.. The brakes don't work. It is an overdrive manual trans.
My fear is that someone started fixing this car and gave up because the engine/trans had a major issue. The oil looks a little funny and the oil pan is bright green. Is that a factory color? It looks like someone had it off and painted it...I see parts of the block that same green, so maybe it's an original color? I just hope the engine is rebuildable, if it does have a major issue.
My thoughts/plans:
Do the minimal amount of work to make it running and see how the engine/transmission work.
Take the body off the frame so I can sandblast and POR15 the frame, rear end, suspension parts, underside of body, etc..
Replace all bushings/tie rods/bearing/seals/body mounts that can be replaced.
Upgrade to power disc brakes
Switch to 12V wiring (the original wiring is a complete cluster**** and falling apart).
Rebuild/Repair the original drivetrain as needed.
The interior/dash area is such a mess, but I'm not going to worry about that until the rest of the car is roadworthy.
I'm obviously a little concerned about parts availability working on something so old. My last project was from 1972, and I was having trouble finding basic parts for it... It looks like Kanter has quite a bit for Packards, but my 1941 120 is not listed as one they have a bushing kit for. I will call them and find out.
I should add, I couldn't care less about making the car perfectly original or impressing judges at car shows, etc... I just want to make this car a safe driver that I can feel comfortable taking out on nice days.
I appreciate any guidance and suggestions!
Attach file:
IMG_7064.jpg (135.43 KB) IMG_7063.jpg (134.69 KB) IMG_7065.jpg (129.78 KB) IMG_7029.jpg (441.45 KB)
IMG_7071.jpg (167.84 KB) IMG_7033.jpg (312.60 KB)
IMG_7091.jpg (337.00 KB)
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