Re: Plug/ignition wires for 56 Packard 374 v8

Posted by BH On 2009/12/14 12:18:26

Bowman -

The reason I tend to avoid mass-market stores in this regard is that most only want to deal with the fastest moving parts. However, some of the idependent stores are smart enough to tap into neglected niche markets. I have had best luck with the locally-owned stores operating under the Federated banner. While they might not have what I need right on the shelf, they can often get it in short order from some warehouse - even outside of their normal supply chain. Yet, they can't always come up with every part.

Any off-the-shelf components that Packard incorporated into their vehicle and were used in other brands might have been commonly available for years in the aftermarket, but after 50+ years since these cars wer sold as new, a lot of those supplies have dried up. Then, many Packard parts are unique enough in their design that you may not have ever found them in though parts store at any time.

If you're open to building even a small stock of parts for future needs, I further encourage you to attend swap meets whenever possible.

Packard vendors will more often have what you are looking for, but they typically attend Packard-only meets or events the size of Fall Hershey. Yet, there are some who don't sell at any meets.

While Packard parts are not plentiful at more general meets that are open to all brands, I am often surprised at what I have found just in strolling around the grounds. Typically, it's those components that were shared with other vehicles but are NLA in parts stores. Other times, it seems that the harder I hunted for a particular part, the more disappointments I got. So, I learned to enjoy "fishing" for parts.

Please continue to keep us posted on your progress and any questions you have with your car.