Re: '54 Door Jam plate (ID Plate, VN Plate)

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2008/10/18 9:40:34

Sharp eyes, everybody, and a good thing to know for those who show for points. Packard was really spot-weld-happy. At least in the V8 years. I remember pulling a fender off a parts car--not only do they have a generous number of welds, but also quite a few bolts. For those unconvinced of the sturdiness and well-built designs of these post-war Packards, just try to take one apart some time!

And I heard mention somewhere, from someone, something harsh about lack of hood bracing and hood "flutter" in Packards.

I drove 2 of the '55s over "washboard" dirt roads many times with nary a flutter in either vehicle. Just a nice trailing throttle four-wheel drift through the turns--with virtually no lean or pitch. You might say, "I was there."

The hoods were made of a heavy enough gauge steel and were fit precisely enough to eliminate the need for bracing to prevent flutter. Now some postwar Packards may be different, I only testify for the V8s.

I just thought that should be set straight.

I add this in good humor with an emphasis on fair debate. And heck, it's partially on topic.

But I still can't understand why the empty holes in the door jamb plates and in the door jambs.