Re: saved a 56 packard on its way to be scrapped!!!

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2011/2/16 14:20:58

I'm currently bringing a 1955 Patrician back to life that has sat for 26 years. What I have found is that there is an amazing availability when it comes to parts. I've found that by the mid 50's, Packard used a lot of "outsourced" parts in their cars. Meaning fuel pumps, window motors, tune up parts, carbs and a host of others were also used by the Big Three on other makes. Even the Packard specific parts are fairly easy to track down and aren't all that expensive. I recently picked up a complete grill assembly as a "back-up" for the one on my '55 for under $60 on e-Bay - and it was in very presentable shape! New body panels for the floor, trunk and quarter panels are being made and are reasonable. With the web as it is today and with this group just about anything you may need to buy or know is just a mouse click away.
Finally, these cars are extremely well built and the mechanicals, with the possible exception of the transmission, are pretty much bullet-proof.
If your car was parked because it wouldn't move you should have no problem getting it to run. The rule I use is if the engine will turn, it will run. There is a process to getting a long dormant engine back to life - doing it incorrectly can do damage. However, if you ask, any number of people here are ready and able to help you along on ANY problem you may face.
The most expensive things in restoring a car today are chrome, body work and upholstery. And remember, it doesn't have to be a perfect restoration to be valuable. Cars that are very original and yet presentable are being recognized by many as being more desirable that some over-restored trailer queen. Anybody can make anything if they throw enough money at it. But, it's only original ONCE!
It looks like from the pictures that you have the makings of a very presentable car. Packards aren't that hard to bring back.
You did the right thing in saving it. You'll find the help you need to bring it back right here. And if you want to sell it, you've probably come to the right place too.
Good Luck!!!!