Long ago I worked in a Buick dealer paint shop, don't remember rubber washers being used at that time.

The fender or trunk lid was drilled to rather tightly fit the retainer which was pressed into the hole from the front or outside of the fender or trunk lid.

When the "script" or "dealer nameplate" was installed the pins on it's reverse were a tight press fit into the retainers.

Doesn't seen there would have been much room for any leakage, but I do seem to remember in some cases the "Dum-Dum" being pressed around the retainer on the inside of the trunk lid or fender after the "script" was installed as an extra precaution against leakage.

Jim

I wouldn't really expect a museum to post the price they paid for an item, however a value range for similar models would be educational and perhaps give the person looking at the exhibit a clue if he or she could even dream of owning such a vehicle in the future, seems like that would be good for the hobby.

Maxine and I operate a tiny mom and pop motel, our 1948 Packard and an old Farmall Cub sit under a carport at the end of the building, guests enjoy looking and I enjoy the conversation and showing off the car to them. Occasionally the question of value arises, the amount I paid some years ago isn't relevant today and I'm not looking to sell the car so no value between buyer and seller, yet I'm not offended that folks are interested in the value. I usually suggest that they visit eBay or other old car sites, that they will find a wide variety of prices for similar models depending on just how nice a car they desire. Maybe it's just talk to pass the time, but there's always the chance that it's the encouragement someone needs to join the hobby and find their own Packard.

Jim

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Not exactly related, but in the early 60's I worked for the local Buick dealer, it was sort of a standard practice to paint that half an inch or so between the wheelcover and the whitewall red on all the used cars before putting them on the sales lot, made them stand out for the customers.

Dad's 23rd series was that dark Packard blue, probably my favorite Packard color.

Don't feel bad about asking, knowing what the experts think about value is a subject that interests me anyway.

Jim

Thoughts from an average guy that would like to own a prewar Packard one day, but still has ask "how much" and live within a budget.

Provide plenty of pictures and list the hoped for price in advertisement (or a "buy it now" price) on eBay, I don't profess to know all the values and no need my wasting a sellers time asking about or bidding on a car way out of my price range.

Proof read the advertisement after it's posted, I've called on one where the actual price was twice the price listed in the internet advertisement.

Note if the vehicle has a current title, a bill of sale, tag registration, open title from a prior purchase, would all present problems in our state.

I'm no expert so I'll qualify this with an if, but "if" this is the same as the glass bowl on my 22nd series my local car parts guy said it was the same as the Thunderbird in 57-59 (?), that's what he ordered and it seemed to work for me. I'm away from the car till early next week, at that point I could get the number off the box if useful to you.

Jim

Fifty some years ago I worked a short time with a car dealer where a coating was sprayed on the fabric or carpet of used cars to brighten them up for resale, this coating could be mixed to get a better matching color and sprayed much as you would paint. It looked good when finished and covered up thin spots in carpet and make seat and door panels look much newer, however I don't personally believe it was long lasting enough to do a lot more than get the car sold, sort of in the same category with the fellow that put new grooves in slick tires or the little motor and cable that was used to turn back the miles on the speedometer.

Two thoughts come to mind.

We had a Packard dealer in Savannah, GA, dad purchased a 23rd series new that was my car maybe ten years later, still later I had a couple of 55's when they were just used cars and not collectable, but in our coastal area and I suppose other parts of the south, rust was more of a problem than in some dry western climates, maybe they just didn't survive as well in the south.

Over the years as Packard's became more collectable, perhaps incomes were higher in certain areas of the country allowing more old cars to be saved and collected in those area. I find the same result, I almost never see a for sale advertisement that is not from a far distance away from the south.

Nothing to prove those thoughts, just an opinion.

Jim