I know this is heresy, but I can't stand the "cubana tan" on my 1940 160, and am planning to change it to laguna maroon. However, original paint chips (and multiple photos of restored cars) show a much lighter and redder maroon than the cross referenced Chrysler Dark Rosewood pearlescent listed on this site. Any opinions on this? (I had the same problem with my 48 Custom and went with a close Subaru maroon and it's gorgeous, if not purely accurate)

Thanks. Darrin 180! That is what I had planned to do, but had been advised by another "expert" that the welting was painted and that cars were painted after assembly.

I always assumed Packard painted the underside of fenders, hood, etc body color, but while restoring my 1940 160 I am finding black on the underside of the hood, color under the trunk and couldn't tell what was under the fenders. Would be easier and cheaper to paint undersides of fenders and hood black; is this incorrect? Also, I think the body color paint was on the welting and door hardware, although it seems crude. Opinions? Thanks!! Brad

My four door Custom came to me with the original 15 inch wheels, but I'm not sure what the original bias ply tire size would have been. In any case I want to replace the worn out oversized radials that came with the car with the appropriate size. P225/70R15 is too small for sure - what does the Packard community suggest?

Excellent idea - maybe I can even get some of the old heavy duty ones that used to be used to inflate casings against new treads as part of the retreading process. I used to get these and use them for flotation devices in the 1960's and they were indestructible. Wonder if they still exist?

I like your ideas, not sure what I am going to do at this point, Thinking lighter rims and overinflated innertubes...

Does anybody know where I can get dummies to fill my sidemounts (1940 Super 8)? I remember hearing of somebody who sold styrofoam dummies, and I'd like to reduce the weight on the front end of my car by eliminating the heavy spare wheels - after all it has yet another spare in the trunk. Thanks!

Thanks everybody!! I've talked to the folks at Wolf and was impressed with their apparent knowledge, so I sent the old unit to them for evaluation. We'll see... They felt that there was no suitable retrofit for the unusual bimetal system Packard used in this series car. Still plan to put in an access hole though - doubt if it will look as good as Howard's! As to the dual master cylinder, I hate to admit, but I did this so long ago I have no recollection of where I sourced the item (many years and many cars ago - but I still have my beloved Custom). Will try to post a photo when I get the time!

Attach file:

---

  (94.53 KB)

Thanks ever so much! Had not seen Tinman's story until now - quite similar to mine - although my Custom didn't have as much rust. Considering making an access hole for the sender (I know - not correct, nor are my dual master cylinder and seat belts/harnesses) so I can get the car into service again until I resolve sending unit.

Does anybody know if the Spectra FG97a will work/on a 48 custom, and will it need modification for installation?