Re: Packard Shopping - Need Some Advice

Posted by Mr.Pushbutton  On 2010/5/17 9:27:28

Michal--remember that it is a USED CAR, and all that applies to any such purchase transaction applies here. Look for things that have been "improved" from original--those could potentially be expensive to put back right. Look for integrity of body, and buy the car with the best body you can possibly afford. Being in California you should have an easier time of it than we do here in the rust belt.
As for brakes, I would personally rebuild the brakes from stem to stern on any old car I bought where they were not obviously freshly done, and even then, I would thoroughly disassemble and inspect the job and make sure everything is right. Loosing your brakes is very unsafe, and will make a good body quite wrinkled in the front. Check the engine the way you would any old engine, those Tubs had great engines in them, but don't be surprised if you find you want to rebuild it after after a couple of years of driving. The best advice I can give is to join the local Packard club and make friends with men (and ladies) who own one and take them along to vet the purchase and warn you of any pitfalls.