Re: 1949 Green Packard

Posted by Loyd Smith On 2008/8/12 10:46:28

My experience is much like Eric's, except that I bought my '55 Patrician as former museum car that had been, "parted out," for about fifteen years. I paid too much for it and spent a LOT of money getting the mechanics, hydraulics and electrics sorted to make it a dependable (and extremely comfortable) driver.

Living in Florida and because I couldn't find parts or anyone who'd work on the old York air conditioning I added a new AC system, Edelbrock Performer carburettor, hid a K&N washable air filter inside the old oil-bath one, changed the generator for a 12V, positive ground alternator, installed electronic ignition and an aftermarket, plastic top-fill reservoir for the completely rebuilt Bendix, Treadle-Vac brakes (I am on the lookout for the original Packard accessory glass one) but, even with a few minor, "mods," it's still PACKARD powered and runs on PACKARD running gear.

With its shiny but pitted chrome, well-worn but original interior and 1989 repaint it is, admittedly, a, "fifteen footer," appearance-wise but, for the past year, has been the only vehicle that I own. Yes, it needs lubrication every 2000 miles and more frequent general servicing than modern cars but is seen, frequently, between Orlando, the Miami area, on Alligator Alley between Miami and Naples and on Highway 17-92 between Naples and Orlando, has never held up traffic on any of these roads and serves all of my local transportation needs on a daily basis.

When I croak out, nothing will have been modified on it that cannot be undone, it will be imminently easier for someone to restore (or to just drive) than it was when I got it and, in the meantime, I am advertising PACKARD and travelling is a hell of a lot of fun. I'm prouder to drive it than I would be a new Mercedes or a Roller.

Your '49 is generally considered to have been more dependable when new than was my first year model V8. Whether you can use it for daily general transportation needs when it is done depends on what you want to do with it, how much trouble you're willing to take and your confidence in the car. As for me, if they'll do the job while letting me keep 'em essentially PACKARD and I don't have to change one enough that someone cannot restore it when I'm done with it - PACKARDS should be driven and seen as often as possible, whenever possible.