I have been a member of this forum since the very beginning and also visit several other forums on a daily basis. This undoubtedly has the most polite members of any forum that I am a member of. I am truly amazed at the patience displayed by HH56 in answering the same question multiple times when a simple search of the archives would reveal the answer. I am also amazed at the amount of time which many forum members must spend at the site answering questions or commenting on the various threads. It is all the members both veterans and newcomers who make this such a great place to spend some time each day. I only wish that I had a 10th of the breadth of knowledge that some of you have concerning our beloved Packards.

I have had similar experience looking for Packard parts at the Iola and Jefferson Wisconsin car swap meets. Not surprising I guess considering how few Packards were produced compared to the Big Three. I occasionally did find some Packard gems but it took some digging and any old car swap meet is fun for me so not complaining just saying.

Richie, Price guides are all over the map especially with cars like Packard. My advice is to get someone familiar with Packards who can inspect the car with you if at al possible.There are weaknesses and strengths to every make and model and Packards are no exception. Read all you can find and ask questions from knowledgeable people like those on this site. There are always cars available and if in the meantime this one slips away do not worry as someday soon another will come along just as nice. I searched for several years to find a local Packard in the model that I wanted and it took 6 years to get it roadworthy but it was worth the effort. I think there is too much emphasis on investment in regard to old cars. Packards have probably seen there best days as far as investments go so just buy what you like and enjoy it for what it is.

http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch/Report?vc=1334756
Here is another link which may give you some guidance.

I agree with Rusty. I really am of the mind that this ZDDP thing is becoming simply another marketing ploy. I worry about the lack of zinc in my BMW and tend to look for oil with higher content of ZDDP because the valve spring pressure are pretty high but on an old flat head with low camshaft lobe profiles and low spring pressures it probably is not a concern. I remember when lead was removed from gasoline and the auto store shelves were filled with lead additives. Most cars unless used for trailer hailing rarely had problems adjusting to unleaded gas. But in the meantime money was being made scaring people into purchasing unnecessary products.

I would probably have the cylinder head checked for warpage and have it resurfaced if necessary . It is relatively inexpensive and removing the head is pretty simple.

Wow, I never had much difficulty removing the oil pan on my 47. You might want to try turning the crankshaft in case one of the counter weights is giving you a problem. If the front motor mount is weak you could lift the front of the engine a bit but that should all that is necessary if I recall right .

If painted non original colour and unless the repainting involved a complete dipping of body in a vat of paint remover there should be traces of original colour somewhere. Look in the truck above the spare tire well or lower part of the firewall.

If your really lucky you might find the build sheet attached to the gas tank filler pipe. That is where is was on my 47.

It has often been mentioned that when assembling the Volvo 240 model the heater fan was hung by a sting on the assembly line and the car assembled around it. Until you have replaced one of these fans you might not fully appreciate the dark humour of that myth.