Very well put !
It's not a statue, drive it ! It was built for that purpose !
RT

Very easy engine to work on,you should have no trouble doing this at home.
You need to properly diagnose the problem.
Easy to check , remove and inspect the spark plugs . Inspect for anything that looks like coolant on the plugs. Rock the engine over slowly.I prefer to leave the trans in 2nd gear and rock the car a little.best to do it slow because if coolant has filled the cylinder it will look like old faithful when it exits the plug hole.
If it does have coolant in one or more of the cylinders its best to get the head off and cylinders cleaned asap.Let the oil drain out while your installing the new gasket.Keep your best buddy's favorite beverage available,the cylinder head is heavy and best handled by two .
Take the head to your machine shop for inspection and and machining if needed.Taking the hood off isn't necessary,but it sure would be nice not to bang your head.

Have you checked the valve lash ? When the engine warms it might be loosing a little compression ? Also check the heat riser.

Richard age 45
Retired (2006) ASE master and equipment tech.
Raced motorcross in the mid 70's and then became addicted to oil and rust.First car was a truck -68 Chevy short step.
To many to remember but here's a few hi-lites,
68 GTO
68 Charger
69 Road Runner
67 Dart GT
70 Dart Swinger
70 Charger 500(miss this one)
49 Olds
68 Buick Riv
68 Camaro convertable
70 Elcamino
49 Studebaker P/U (440 Chrysler)
38 Packard 110
49 Studebaker P/U (on 90 Toyota P/U frame,all Toyota running gear.
2004 Tundra Limited(Mine)
2005 Lexus LS 430(wife's)
I save ya from the list of crap layin around the ranch.(Boats,quads,tractors,fire engine,etc..)

Get the book from fifth ave.Lotta good info. and they sell reducers for the gauges and such.

I don't think you could ever replace the Packard engine.You can substitute anything else you like.I have never seen or owned a better engine in an antique auto.(In fact I drive mine every day the sun shines )The 39 was the first year for a column shift and overdrive.(I hope you have the O/D)With proper maintenance,that auto should last another 70 years of daily use with todays fuels and lubricants .Parts are common for this engine as for the rest of the drive train.
Brakes are great when working properly.
Smooth and quiet ride.Easy to drive and operate.Very easy to maintain.(Valve adjustment can be a little tricky.)
A very straight forward and well designed automobile.

You can use the 12 volt battery for trying to get the car to run,and it's very simple.Without damage to any part of the electrical system.
Remove the wire that the electrical system uses to charge and power the main circuts.Usually a larger gauge wire that is connected to the starter.(Not the battery cable)Then you install a jump wire from the battery with a resistor or use a 12 volt internaly resisted coil for the ignition circut.Set up a temp start switch for the starting.
This will by pass all of the cars circuts and give the boost you need.If the engine(and it's systems) are in good enough shape,you can probably return to the 6 volt system. This is how I got my 38 to run after a 10 year hibernation.
RT

Secret Audio shows an option of 6 volt positive ground.
This just might be what alot of us have been looking for !
Has anyone purchased one of these with the 6 volt option?
Feedback on it ?
RT

Agreed,this is not a bandaid fix.I was looking to get a little more from the six and the flex fan accomplished that with no mods.
Sorry for the delay with a response,I had to plow 2 feet of snow.(Sierra cement)

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Try the e-bay store "dash glass".I found it by typing "Packard dash" in the search in e bay motors.
They have a lot of lenses.
RT