Re: Tips for moving a Patrician that has been parked for 35+ years?

Posted by longjohn On 2024/6/28 10:29:41

Packard did not try to use unique parts for many of their applications. For instance, the brakes are all standard Bendix set up and the parts are mostly available at any auto parts store. Wheel bearings are plentiful. There are also half a dozen dealers who specialize in Packard parts so you will be able to find anything you need.

As far as an engine rebuild, take it apart and check it first. Packard blocks were pretty hard material and you may be surprised that it is still within specs. Rings and rod bearings are common. Even the crankshaft is not hard to come by (although I would not look forward to paying to ship one, those things are heavy!). The hydraulic lifters are unique to Packard but new ones are available.

I suspect that you will find that the most expensive part of getting this car presentable will be redoing the interior. I restored a 53 Cavalier 20 years ago that looked much worse than this. I was able to find a company that made me a set of perfect fitting seat covers from patterns they had in their files. Not in the original cloth pattern but at a very reasonable price.

The big chrome grill looks pretty good and will probably polish up adequately for a driver. Try using a brass wire brush on a dremel tool and you may be amazed at what shines up. There was a chrome shortage in 1953 due to the Korean war so some of the plating was not very thick. The good news is that many trim items like tail fins, tail lights and door handles span several years.

The 53 Cavalier that I restored was bought new by my wife's father so having a family connection is nice. I had owned pre-war Packards but was never very interested in the post-war cars. However, after restoring and driving one, I can attest that they are very nice cars and easy to drive. I like the idea of going to a car show and having a unique car among the dozen '57 Chevys.