Years ago I clipped an article from Newsweek of August 7, 1989, pages 38-39. The article entitled Kim II Sung's 'Socialist Paradise' had no interest for me except for the photograph of a Packard or Packard look-a-like

Of course, dear leader was featured, but also featured were 2 cars. Both cars looked like 1937 Packards or they could have been Russian "fellow travelers."

If I knew how to post pictures on the site I would post the photograph of the two Packards or the "whatevers!!!"

I bet dollars to donuts these cars now reside in the museum dedicated to the "dear leader" no matter their brand.

Do doubt Moscow distributed their Packard look-a-likes to their minions as gestures of friendship and to engender loyalty from their drones.

Zougeride
Exotic Tomball, Texas

All of the suggestions and recommendations have been excellent.

One might consider such a restoration as "a project to keep the mind occupied." I certainly see my ongoing restoration as such. Too many friends and colleagues have been picked off by the Grim Reaper--why?--no projects!!!

Joining as many organizations of like minded individuals puts one in contact with all sorts of restoration experiences that can help you with your restoration. Some of my Packard club friends have been members and owners for decades. I have certainly benefited from their experiences and knowledge of Packards. Their experiences have and continue to save me money as I prepare to restore my Packard.

In the area of research, I read in Hemmings of one case in which the car owner bought his paint for his car, did all of the prep himself, and then took his paint to a paint shop, paid their cost, but had them use his paint. He claimed it was inexpensive. This forum offers excellent examples of restoration tips with forum members ready to help immediately. The detail of information is astounding. Don't just read about your Packard model--read as many others in the forum as possible. You will not regret the effort.

In my case, I have been gathering parts, buying the tools necessary, reading all of the forums, taking notes, and preparing my Mickey Rooney size garage for the restoration of my 1949 Standard 8 Packard. Once started, I will not have to stop because I have not prepared in advance. I don't intend to make restoration a chore, but a constructive challenge.

Sure, I know the cost of restoration must be considered, but at a certain age the restoration of my Packard is just as important as driving it after completion of the restoration. As for the Grim Reaper, should he ride by my garage I intend to run him over or at least side swipe him in my restored Packard!!!

Zougeride
Exotic Tomball, Texas

Getting help around the garage is difficult at best.

Have you considered the Boys Clubs of America? Also why not discuss the problem with a High School Counselor.

There are boys and girls out there who don't fit into the academic world, who are hands on, have promise, but need to be shown that they can be a success outside of the academic world. Probably make more money and be happier than if they did try to shoe horn themselves into academic courses.

Also you might consider a person from a newly arrived group. Hard work and learning skills are two things recent immigrants are ready to accept.

You may find that helping a young person also helps you if the process is approached with an open attitude.

I look forward to reading of your further efforts in finding someone.

I taught for 40 years and one of my most successful students never graduated, but as a grocery store vegetable and fruit manager he now has 4 rental houses and buying another!!! Zougeride Exotic Tomball, Texas

Thanks for the question Fish'n Jim. I am interested in the size of the metal plate and look of the clips. I guess posting the information would be of help even though my 1949 Packard is a Standard 4 door.

I remain very interested in the brand names of the molding material and look forward to seeing more on this subject illustrated with photographs.

Just how tough or strong does the sill have to be???

All best wishes for success in the project. I look forward to learning a great deal from it.

Zougeride
"Exotic" Tomball, Texas

This is a very interesting topic. I hope there will be updates.

Fish'n Jim, don't suppose you could post your findings regarding the "drawings" you discovered including the metal parts of the Packard rubber sill plates???

Sure want to know the brand of the molding supplies being used as well!!!

Youtube has, as you know, many examples of casting and molding rubber parts--all very interesting, but for me this is more interesting.

Looking forward to updates of your molding and casting quest for the perfect or almost perfect sill plate.

Zougeride
Exotic Tomball, Texas

I try to read the forums closely and on a regular basis. So, have I missed a source for brake shoes for my 1949 Standard 8???

While there is a shop nearby that will make the old shoes like new I was wondering if new shoes were on the market.

My local NAPA counter guys are good at finding things and work hard to deliver the goods, but have I overlooked a source or is it "do the old shoes over???" I could be asking them the wrong questions or giving them incorrect information.

All information appreciated.

Zougeride

Re: Barney Pollard and what a great story!!! Pollard's escapades remind me of a Houston, Texas collector who stacked his collector cars on their rear bumpers like books on a shelf. His warehouse was filled with collector cars. All of this was, if memory does not fail me and it is, back in the late 1970's.

Does anyone remember the event or am I just thinking it happened???

Zougeride

The 4 doors of my 49 Standard Packard are telling me they need to be patched. I am telling my Packard I will undertake the job, if I can purchase a door jack to help with the task.

At my un-youthful age "Wrassling" car doors alone is something I don't want to do without a door jack.

Said door jack must be reliable and fit a modest budget.

Your suggestions regarding your own use of a door jack will be my guide.

Thanking you in advance for your advice and suggestions!!!

Zougeride

Garrett:

Sorry I missed you at Salado. I should have been more specific about day and time to meet as well as location at the meet.

When the heat dies down, if ever, we are planning on an SA trip.

We would enjoy meeting you over lunch at some place in the city.

I will send you are dates for our trip to one of our favorite cities.

Zougeride

The front floor pan on my 1949 Standard Packard has not been to church, but it has become holy!!!

If you have had experience with vendors who sell such pans will you please enlighten me.

I have read in the forums that none of the floor pans come ready to install as they most always need trimming or cutting.

Thanking all in advance for any suggestions regarding vendors of floor pans.

P. S. I am attending the Salado Packard Meet for the first time and look forward to meeting some forum members. Hope many will attend.

Zougeride