Re: What's it Worth, Part 2

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2010/10/31 18:56:15

That '55 Packard in Oregon City you told me about that you said sounded "pretty good"? Well Saturday I went out to see it and while I didn't get to hear how it sounded, it did look pretty good. So good in fact that while it is still in OC, it is now MY '55 Packard.
It does have some issues. While the engine turns, the owner before the guy I bought it from had somebody work on it as it had suddenly died in traffic and had to be towed home. Once inside the garage the somebody jacked up the RF corner and removed the starter. So there it was, RF up in the air, LR down on the ground. And it stayed that way for 23 years until the seller bought it. Unfortunately, when he lowered the RF the LR stayed pretty much on the ground. I'm hoping that once the starter is back in and the electrical system hooked up the suspension system will still work and the car will "right it's self". The seller also said the transmission is "stuck in reverse" so the car can be pushed backwards but not forward. I'm not sure, but I think I may have "cured" that on Saturday. I'm also hoping that it's brake related. Time will tell.
By the way, where is the suspension "ON/OFF" switch on the '55s? I downloaded the Owner's Manual but it doesn't give a location.
One way or the other I hope to get it in MY garage this coming weekend.
The car its self has a fascinating history which I'll retell later. For the moment I'll just say the interior is incredible. The pale blue leather is still glove soft and the fabric only shows wear on the driver's seat area and that is just that some of the metallic silver threads are missing. The original light blue paint is still shiny though the darker blue on the roof has some exposed primer showing through. It also comes with boxes of new mechanical and trim parts. Some of the trim is for a '56 but most is for a '55.
I'll take a bunch of pictures during the move.
And Oh yeah, I did get the VIN so I will enter it in the register very soon.
On top of all that, the '51 enters the shop on Wednesday for it's valve job so I'll have a Packard to drive around on nice winter and spring days.
I'd still like to get a '56 at some point but for right now, I am delighted!

Jim L. in OR