Re: 734 speedster sedan project

Posted by West Peterson On 2011/6/17 11:50:43

The difference in length of the cowl is 6", and sets the body back that much further. The only similar fender on the 1930 line is for the 745 model, which was then used on the 1931 840/845 as well. I don't know if there is a difference in length between the 734/745/840/845, but there probably is.

This sounds like a pretty big project, and I think the best advice would be to tell you to run over to Kalamazoo and look at the car first hand (there are only two in existence, and the other is in Florida), take your photos, dimensions, etc. If you ask nicely, you may be given permission to crawl under and take your dimensions/detail photos.

My other advice would be this:
Since you'll probably only end up with a reasonable faxcimile of the real thing, I suggest that you not limit yourself to just a sedan. If you find any spare body in reasonable condition, think about doing "what Packard might have done."
I certainly don't condone butchering a car that should otherwise be saved and/or restored, but that's your call based on what you find.
Good luck, and keep us posted in a restoration blog.