Re: Behind the doors at Kanter Auto Products. 3rd Floor Packard

Posted by fredkanter On 2017/1/18 21:46:57

The 45,000 ftbuilding was built in 1880 and as it had over 200 employees operating as a silk mill it was sprinklered in about 1914 after the infamous Triangle
Shirtwaist fire in NYC. When we moved in in 1977 we upgraded the system with all new sprinkler heads. We have never thrown stuff away, we just pack the shelves more and more.

This 8800 sq ft floor is for our surplus slower moving stock. The shelves are organized by type of part; engine, lights, Ultraumatic, standard, whole engines, power windows heads etc etc. This inventory is not on the computer but all our Packard staff has a good idea of what we have and if needed they check the shelves and boxes.

We've never thrown stuff out except for obvious stuff like cracked blocks, bent chrome strips etc. But never has ended and we sold the building and have to move to our other warehouse which is 122,000 ft and full of other stuff and some Packard stuff. So after selling out of the building for 40 years we have been scrapping , so far about 45000#.

Knee action shocks that are not rebuildable, 41-56 taillights that are beyond hope, used window frames (had 100's, never sold any), used pistons and rods in excess of our needs, 1925-32 used backing plates and brake shoes. In the process we are discovering "hidden" items but sorry no 41-2 Senior taillight lenses but I did find a 55-56 Senior ignition switch bezel.

We have over 100 used engines and a few NOS 55 '320"V8's and many will go. I personally have been going top confession daily as I've committed the 11th commandment "Thou shall not throw away".

Other makes do not merit their own areas as for Packard we have "everything", our other stock is by lines ;fuel pumps and carbs (25,000 of each), water pumps, engine parts suspension parts, brakes etc. for US makes from Buick to Zephyr.

Sales of Packard parts is at its highest level except for the 100th anniversary year. After we're gone we're planning that our younger employees will carry on.

My father passed away in 2000 and he's got the Packard franchise up there, every week he sends an order fro parts, stone guards, double whitewalls, spotlights etc as nothing wears out. When you arrive you get a brand new V12 open car if you drove one on earth. If you didn't, sorry, you walk.

It's in our interest to stay in business as our father has twin '32 Twin Six Dietrich phaetons waiting for us with no accessories.