Re: I'm in need of some help with what to use for a front end for my 39 Packard.

Posted by ewrecks On 2021/5/29 23:51:28

I tend to agree that restoring old Packards should be the goal but since some people are going to restomod cars, I will throw in my two cents .
Putting a new front end on your car does not begin to solve your problems. The car you are working on is over 80 years old and the technology is not only primative but is impacted by time and use.
If you want to take an old car and not make it dangerous to yourself or others, do it right.
Take the body off tje frame and have someone with engineering and building experience create a whole new frame with the four wheel disc brakes, power assisted rack and pinion steering and mounts for whatever drive train you choose. Install all new fuel and brake lines and a new wiring harness for the accessories you plan to install. Outfits like the Roadster shop can probably provide a custom frame for under $20,000.
You still have the drive train, body and paint work , wheels, tires, chrome and upholstery to consider.
If you and your brother can do most of the mechanical , body and paint work yourselves, you may be able to put it together for under $50-60,000.
That is dramatically less than having a shop like you see on Velocity TV do it for you. I think I read that Kendig of Bitchin Rides units normally run.over $250,000. Yours will probably not be as nice.
These are cars that are going to be driven on public roads and unless you have the welding and mechanical skills to do it right, you may well end up with something that is more dangerous than an original vehicle without seatbelts, airbags, rollover control, ABS and all of the other safety innovations that we now take for granted..
These cars are not particularly safe in restored condition but operators take that into account.
If you want a safe and reliable car, you can buy a used BMW 7 or Audi 8 series that sold for nearly $100k a few years ago for little more than you will pay for the custom frame. Take the rest of the money and have some fun rather than trying to recreate the wheel.
If you have the time, money and skills, restomods are great but they require all three .
Stay safe
RJR