4/2008 Photo

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I wanted a Packard and I wanted to build a large speedster and decided to combine the two. Looking around the right car showed up at the same time I had money and the deal was done April 2008. A 1928 Packard 526 sedan that had it's restoration interrupted by the death of its owner/restorer in 1968, and had basically sat since, was purchased. Rougher than something I would want to do a full resto on, it was something I wouldn't feel guilty modifying. The idea was to build a speedster as someone may have done in the late 20s early 30s out of a damaged Packard. It is to use all Packard and custom made parts to retain the feel and pleasure of a Packard in a more sporty mode. This concept included keeping the original 126 inch WB chassis and components and the mechanical brakes and finding a Packard straight 8 to replace the original 6. The components would be moved around to better fit the speedster requirements and a custom boattail body built. I should say now that although I have restored originals and built a few ground up hot rods this is being built in a hobby shop(although well equipt) by me and my friends and the body was something we have never attempted before. This is going to be fun. When you are used to working on mostly old Fords the Packard is huge and imposing, and the engineering, size and heft of the parts amazing. After purchasing it in April it basically sat in the shop while we inspected it and determined our course of action. By September we were chomping at the bit to start!

Thanks Eric,
Looking forward to reading about your speedster project.,
ras

Owen,
Thanks for the info. This Packard stuff is all new to me and thats the kind of info I need to steer this project. If I want to cruise at anything over 50 it looks like I'll need a set of high speed gears.

Thank you,
Looks like it will make for some interesting reading.,
ras

I have a 1930 320 cu in 90 HP 8 (according to the engine numbers and owners manual) and want to know the normal operating rpm range so I can find a proper tachometer. I am also looking for the appropriate tach. First time here, anyone else building a Packard speedster? Basing mine on a '28 526 (126 in WB) chassis. Found the '30 straight 8 and 4 speed and installed it. Kept all the wheel base and moved the motor/trans back 18 inches and down 1.5 inches. Moved the steering and crossmembers as required and in the process of building the body bucks for the 2 seater boattail body. The object is to use all period Packard parts (mechanical brakes, stock steering, etc.) as might have been used by a period long distance racer and when its finished drive the hell out of it.
Ron Schuman

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