Re: Packard Mortality Statistic

Posted by ewrecks On 2021/12/20 18:45:07

I think that there is nothing wrong with resto- modding a car if that is what you want. It is not my business to tell someone how to spend his money.
That being said, if you are going to do something t..do it right.. it is dangerous to just bolt a bigger engine ito a car that was never designed for it and go out on the road.
A restored car is a restored car and if you wish to enjoy cruising i see nothing wrong with upgrading to halogen headlights, radial tires and electronic ignition. The purist can easily replace the parts. My radio works but I have an MP3 player in the glove box since there is only one AM station in my area and their offerings suck.
I have several old cars with drum brakes including my Caribbean and thr 39:Six I am working on now. I have no desire to convert to disc brakes or install a dual master cylinder on any of them. That being said, I do not like or trust the BTV. Every part is new but I still do not feel safe with that system in part because there are no local mechanics familiar with how it works. I may arrange for Ross to go over the whole system when and if the pandemic settles so that I can enjoy the car.
We have to admit the market for most Packards has weakened as those who aspired to own one in their youth are now dying off. The cost and availability of parts to do the cars correctly has escalated at the same time. I believe that the market value of the Caribbeans has dropped nearly 40-50% in the pat decade . Lesser models like my 39 have also dropped in value to the point where securing correct running board covers or woodgrains for the dash become a questionable expense.
I do not show my cars, I drive and enjoy them and that gets to be an expensive enough hobby.
There is a 41:convertible coupe improperly listed as a 110 in Hemmings that had over $50k invested in restoration before the restorer closed shop . They would like to sell the car for $27k but it needs at least that much more to get it on the road….much less to Pebble Beach condition. It is a car that has been dismantled by someone else with no assurance that parts are not missing..or available.
Does it make sense to get involved in such a project if you cannot expect to come close to the oulay.?
As I said originally, it is not my place to tell another man how to spend his money….but that one may end up unsold and unrestored.