Got this article from the WWII museum today - in reading the article, the slide show notes the Packard engines that will be going back in the restored PT boat. Thought some of you guys might enjoy this.

http://pt305.org/home/

I went back to Home Depot to look at the paint I used on my 39 heater. It was "Rust-Oleum Universal Forged Hammered, Paint and Primer in One" rather than the crinkle finish. The inventory number is 1000-000-895, cost $7.76 per can. It is available in several different browns. It is has a multi flake sheen to it and the heater did look good.

Despite the website statement, there were quite a few cans in lots of colors on the shelf at my local Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Universal-12-oz-All-Surface-Forged-Hammered-Burnished-Amber-Spray-Paint-and-Primer-in-One-Case-of-6-271480/203869520

John - look at this service advisory. Be sure to use steel tubing.

https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL22NO14.pdf

Looks like Fred Kanter should buy the 54 in Texas - probably cheaper than building a limo out of parts!

Jim, the one in my 39 was a brown crinkle finish. I went to Home Depot and bought a satin finish wrinkle paint and sprayed it. Probably not the exact shade, but it blended well with the original dash colors.

The 1942 engines started with an "E" so maybe it is possible that someone replaced the engine in the past. Also, check with the PA DOT or Highway Patrol and see if they will let you title the car with the motor number rather than the incorrect Manufacturer Plate.

see this for more info on the different numbers under the hood. This is for a 48; the 39 VIN plate is under the left hand part of the hood, on the side of the body under the hood.

https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL20NO4.pdf

You might want to check the motor number on the front left (driver) side of the engine. If the engine was replaced sometime in the past to a later model engine it might be an "E" engine (1939 engines start with B). In Texas, Montana and other states it wasn't uncommon to title the car by engine number rather than what would be a VIN in modern speak. Replica plates are available, but even when the numbers are very carefully stamped, officialdom tends to raise their eyebrows on what is obviously a new plate.

I don't have the numbers readily available, but I have been able to get the parts I need from NAPA. As I remember, Chevy's up to the mid 60's used the same wheel cylinders.

I always buy the generic 6 volt Echlin regulator from NAPA, and have always had good luck with them over the last 40 years.