Re: 1940 Packard 110 project car

Posted by flackmaster On 2016/11/28 10:31:33

Corey - everyone, including myself, would applaud the idea of resurrecting this car from the grave, especially by a young person interested in what is an old man's hobby. The support you are feeling is genuine, however, I strongly feel you are disillusioned by the supportive chatter as the car is far from the proper restoration candidate, even for an experienced restorer.
I hope you will see the light, oh, wait, you can.... through the floor, trunk, doors, inner fenders, runningboards, etc. that this car would require so much serious metal work which you are far from equipped to do, that you really need to recognize this game-over situation. Once stripped, you car will be as bad as the 40-120 convertible linked to The Astronaut's project. Even with his skills as a professional metalworker, he is at the limits of restoration rationalization. Look at some of the other restoration blogs on this site. Look at the amount of time that elapses. As for money, your project is economically unfeasible, period. Even the great Fred Kanter, who we all respect for his efforts to resurrect the 52 Limo, knows that it takes a nut-case to embark on such field-car restorations. I can only speculate how your field-car '40 sedan has survived, either as a memorable form of yard art, or simply someone forgot to crush is when scrap was of value. I repeat, this is NOT the car for someone in your position to undertake.
My counsel would be to focus your energies on your education and skills, whether specific to Packarding or not. Do your homework. Get a job working around auto's where you can get paid for developing restoration skills. Really committed to this road? Check out the auto restoration program at McPherson College in Kansas. Other schools, beginning with your local high school BOCES/Vo-Tech,etc) can get you started on the basics. Meantime, as Ross said, there are plenty of affordable Packards that are far closer to being ready for when you get your drivers license.
Please Corey, reconsider the path you are considering. I am not typing this to hear myself think. Step away from the fire.
C'mon guys, help me out here....the skills, money and timing are wrong for Corey to undertake this project.