Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2010/11/10 11:19:08

Thanks, West.
I know pretty much what is original and what is not on my car, but whether some of the non-original items are correct is sometimes a question.

I started to enter some info about a chrome strip I purchased and its faithfulness as a reproduction, something I discovered a week ago, but my ride arrived, so I didn't finish. Will do today.

My car is an early car C500324, sold on Aug 20 1939 by Earle C Anthony SFO to Oscar Kennedy Cushing. The trunk handle is original. I bought the trunk rack in 1971 or so. It arrived in a ball, literally, from of all places, Texas. I had it straightened and the pieces chromed. It had no moulding, but everything else. I bought the license light later. I do have 2 sets of bumper brackets and rubber grommets, one for with rack and one for without. Also the shield emblem. That's out for chrome.

My engine is out of a 50 custom 8. In 1966 the block cracked and I replaced it with an engine from a 1940 120. In the 70s, my friend Vaughn Hickman, a teacher who taught his kids how to spot a Packard and report back, verified that a car found in a backyard field here was indeed a Packard and called me. Another Packard guy wanted the rest of the car. I had the 356 engine rebuilt. This is the engine I will use to do my driving. I bought another 1940 engine which could be sold with the car in the "some day" to someone who considers that important in valuing the car. I think the aircleaner came from that Custom 8, but not sure. It was not on my car. When I first got it it had a funky aircleaner on it with no air chamber. I painted it red. It's long gone.

As mentioned, I don't have strips and they are expensive, esp that top one. Also the bumper itself. My bumper doesn't have the extra set of holes for the guards. So for now, I'll keep it. I'm sure the expense for these items will seem insignificant after the car is done draining my tank for paint and upholstery.

Thanks, West, I appreciate your interest and value your advice after reading several of your posts.
Joe