Re: Mechanic needed in SouthEast US

Posted by John McCall and Mitch Parker On 2017/3/21 7:54:48

I can tell you who NOT TO USE! The mechanic we were referred to by a well-meaning Packard owner kept our 1956 Patrician for almost two years, and probably waited until four days before we gave him an ultimate deadline to do mediocre work on the transmission, exhaust, brakes, and carb. We told him to do anything he saw that was needed. He did not even bother to change the oil or tune the car--both of which were badly needed. We ended up taking the car home on a trailer, not trusting what he had done!

This is a dire problem with present and future Packard owners. A local mechanic here turned his nose up when asked about a simple oil change and tune-up with me providing all the parts! His response was, "Get with me the first of the week." That actually meant "Hell no!"

I was spoiled for decades, relying on my good friend Donald Taccone to work on my 55-56's. Not only was he an expert and trusted mechanic, Donald was passionate about 1956 Packards (and anything "Packard"). He took a well-deserved retirement and that should have been a signal for us to get out of the "Packard Business." We will soldier on as best we can, and we wish you well. It is a tough time for the collector hobby unless you drive Chrysler muscle cars, Fords, or "Chivrolaze!"

Packard folk, excuse me for sounding a bit elitist, have always been a very different culture, just as the customer base was for 59 years of Packard's presence in the marketplace. Now, our biggest problem is how to bring young people into our passionate hobby. Unfortunately, the present culture of the young doesn't often embrace the elegance, tribute to American workmanship, ingenuity, integrity, and art that was Packard.