Re: KPack's 1954 Panama

Posted by kevinpackard On 2020/10/20 12:33:52

Don - Thanks! The rope you are talking about is still there (kind of) on the car. Some of it is missing. I left the remainder as is for now. I think it's purpose is to keep things from falling into the space between the wheel well and fender. It certainly isn't a seam sealer and I don't think it does much sound dampening. I have no idea where to get replacements.

Regarding originality, I haven't quite made up my mind in the trunk. I know that original was a flimsy piece of cardboard or carpet on the floor, then flocking on the wheel wells and sides. I'm leaning more towards a cleaner/finished look with carpet panels similar to the 55-56 cars. Carpet on the floor, wheel wells, sides. But that remains to be decided. For sure I will carpet the divider panel behind the rear seat.

Paul - Thanks! This was my first time doing any of this...priming, sealing, painting. I'm glad it was on the inside and not real bodywork. It was a great way to get my feet wet. Probably not a professional job, but WAY better than what it was when I received the car.

Ernie - That's the goal for this project....a nice driver. I'm not going frame-off or full restoration, but I would like to get it nice and original where practical. Mainly this car is a learning experience for me. By the time I have the car "done" I'll probably have learned the 51-54 Packards inside and out.

-Kevin