Re: Seeking Advice for "New Owner Go Over Checklist" for 1939 120 1701 4 Door Sedan

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2013/7/27 11:01:41

Welcome to the wonderful world of Packard. While I don't know too much of the '39 120, my "1st Packard" was my Grandmother's 1935 120 which I have keen memories of.
I got my first Packard as an adult 3 years ago through a member of this group. So your understandable excitement over your 1st Packard reminds me of my own that day in October of 2010. Mine was enhanced by it being an example of a car that I had lusted after since I was 8 years old: A 55/56 Packard Patrician.
You'll find that joining this group is the best thing you could do aside from buying your Packard. There are many here who are extreemly knowledgable of your Packard and can and will guide you through any problem that should come up.
So welcome to Packard. You and yours will build good memories that will last a lifetime.
Before you go much further you will want to drain the gas tank - either by opening the tank's drain cock or, should that be stuck (a common occurance) pumping it out with a siphon pump you can get for $7 at Harbor Freight or other means. If a filter is present you should change that too. Since gas was evidently left in the tank long enough to get old you may want to check the tank to see if it needs cleaning out. Cleaning is something a good radiator shop can do but check around as prices vary. In any event you want to keep old gas and any "crud" in the tank out of your engine.
Good luck and enjoy!