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MJG wrote:
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Packardfan wrote:
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paint good enough to not do over?? Is it original paint that is salvageable? Looks like fogging in paint but, pictures are poor
He said it was original everything, but cant guarantee, I think I can get at least a little color to come out. How can you tell if it is original paint, everything looked continuous in door jambs, fire wall etc...
I just went back and looked at the pictures a bit better. I think it was resprayed. Look at the firewall again... the pics are poor but, I think I see blue on wires, hinges etc. I don't believe the hinges should be body color (or underside of the hood itself for that matter). Packard definitely did not spray wires. Look at this area a bit harder and then it's time for the magnet on the rest of the car.
If it was resprayed then what was the motive to not replace a delaminated windshield (didn't happen overnight.. trust me)? Long-term ownership was not the case here. If all the above is true I only give extra credit for receipts for work.
Mike
That was the first thing that I noticed....I don't think the paint is original. Not the end of the world, but definitely look closely to see if anything is hiding underneath.
As was mentioned, the windshield replacement will cost more than you think. Rubber is $300-400 and a windshield can vary greatly. Not a fun task to do, but doable. The worst part is reattaching the stainless steel trim.
The interior overall isn't terrible, but shows its age. It obviously was not stored indoors. Things like the front seat and failing dash pad are evidence of that. Interiors are very expensive to replace. I'm not sure what exactly is in Kanter's interior kit mentioned above, but I can pretty much guarantee that it doesn't have everything needed to replace an interior. Correct materials from SMS are pricey, and if you have them sew up all the seat covers to correct patterns and specifications, you are well into the thousands. That's not including installation at an upholstery shop, which will be additional thousands. Door cards are another issue as well. If they are embossed (not sure if '55 was?) then SMS is the only place that can replace them correctly and you'll likely be waiting years, if you ever get them at all.
I do think the car is a nice start. But I definitely do not think it is worth was he is asking. I would feel comfortable paying $8K...maybe more if there were tons of receipts. But understand that this car will take time, love, and money in order to really bring it back to its former glory. Trust me, I'm right in the middle of doing the same. My car was in much worse shape than yours, but it has cost much more than I had originally thought in order to improve it. There are always unforeseen problems that come up....brakes, engine, trans, etc.
A rolling restoration is a nice way to do it, especially if you are not planning on doing anything to the extent of a frame-off restoration. The 400's are great cars, one of my favorites. I hope to pick one up someday.
-Kevin
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