1937 120 Conv. Sedan - Blanche

Posted by 37Blanche On 2023/12/5 11:37:14

I decided to start a project blog for my 1937 Packard 120. I won’t have much activity coming up as I pack her away for, hopefully, a short winters nap. But I thought I would set the stage on things I have done, and plan to do in the spring. I joined Packardinfo.com in September 2023, after I inherited my Packard. My Great Grand Father was the original owner and she has been passed down through the generations. Her name is Blanche, given to her by my Great Grand-mother, and it has stuck all these years. Blanche lived in the same barn stall for the first 65 years of her life. In the early 80’s, my Grand Mother decided to get some work done and had the running board mats replaced, reupholstered the interior, and replaced the convertible top fabric, along with some standard maintenance over the years. My Uncle had her prior to me for about 20 years and did not do much outside of standard maintenance. He had larger ambitions, but never got around to it.

When Blanche was delivered to my door, my initial intentions were to sell her. But after walking by her every day, I would notice little things, and say, that wouldn’t be too hard to clean up, or fix. As we all know, once you start, it is very hard and next to impossible to stop! I now have the Packard bug.

My starting point is a very good one, compared to other Blogs I have read, which is good because my background on cars = 0 knowledge. Blanche runs, and always has, ever since I can remember as a little kid. Now my intentions are to keep her patina and getting her ready for the next generation, God willing.

This site has been tremendous in my short journey!

So what have I done,.
- Upgraded Battery Cable to 00 awg. That was a game changer!
- Replaced Spark Plug wires.
- Replaced Goddess of Speed Hood Ornament (Old one had her arms snapped off ☹)
- Replaced broken Defrost Deflector
- Replaced Clock lens as numbers were faded.
- Installed new carpeting.
- Replaced Hood and Cowl Lacing
- New Speedo Cable
- Replaced rear Shock Links
- Replaced Front and Rear bumper Gromets
- Hood Corner pads
- Gear Shift Boot
- Replaced all door grommets and re-vulcanized striker plates

What my Mechanic Friend helped me with.
- Replaced the water pump, as she was over heating!
- Replaced Bushings, King pins etc for the front Suspension

and what is on the horizon for the spring, that I will tackle myself.
- Wire Harness
- Exhaust System
- Gas Tank
- Replace weather stripping on Conv. Top and windows
- Replace Firewall deadener and side kick boards
- Replace Clutch and Brake Shank seal
- Refurbish Deluxe Heater

After that, I will be looking at the engine. When I see BobJ and BigKevs engines, it makes me want to pull mine apart and paint it!!

I will update as I go and I am sure with lots of questions!!
Cheers,
Ben