Thanks for the response - that is good to know. The engine doesn't bother me all that much; I've rebuilt engines before and I can do brakes but usually have it done by someone else. What I'm afraid of is the Twin Ultramatic. When I was trying for that '55 400 in LA I asked my transmission guy about these transmissions. He said his shop won't touch them and he only knows of one guy in about 300 miles who is qualified - Tom at Transmission Exchange here in Portland. I called Tom and asked for worst case and without taking a breath he said $3,280. I didn't think to ask him about just a re-seal but after sitting for 30 years it's going to need a re-seal at the very least. The offer I was thinking of was just about what you said. I really appreciate the help as I'm still real new to Packards.

Jim L. in OR

Hi again,

When it rains it pours. And right now it seems to be raining Packards around here.
I just found a local listing for a '55 Packard Patrician. The seller states that the body and dash are in very good shape the upholstery in bad shape - car hasn't run in 30 years.
I intend to go and see the car if it hasn't already been sold.
The asking price is $3,000 - almost what I'm paying for my '51. Assuming the story is true, about what should I be offering. The Collector Car Market review puts a '55 Patrician @ $1,300 for a condition #5 and $3,450 for a condition #4. This, I suppose falls in between.
Any guidance would really be appreciated.

Jim L. in OR

Hi all,

The switch looks pretty basic and fool proof in the cutaway.
One of the first things I'm going to do with mine when it gets here is to make sure that filter screen at the bottom of the switch is clean! It looks like a clog there could really foul things up.

Jim L. in OR

Thank you, thank you.
It has a few things that need to be done: things that will "keep me from being underfoot" with retirement; and things that I can do that won't result in my being laid up for three days after I do them. And with the help of you all, it should be a breeze.
I really am looking forward to seeing it in my garage!

Jim L. in OR

It may have been all of the above in my case. I thought I clicked on the picture I had re-sized but..... It was in JPEG. Anyway, I'll get the process down.

Jim L. in OR

It seems I have a little bit more to learn about this website. I wrote a reply to Steve's kind offer then tried to upload a picture and it disappeared.
So, without the picture, I'll just say I put a deposit down today on the '51 Packard I've been mentioning. It is in amazing original condition for being 60 years old especially the chrome. As I've said before, I'm not wild about the repaint (almost fire engine red with white top) but someone really spent a lot of money on it whenever it was done and it's held up very well. I did find the original paint in the very back of the trunk. It appears to be "Matador Maroon" which I think would be stunning on this car. When/if I do go for a repaint that is the color I'll try for.
But first it will be making sure the mechanicals are up to par and then enjoying it as a "Fair Weather Sunday" driver.
I forgot to get the VIN when I was out there so when I take possession at the end of the month I will add it to the Registry and work on uploading some pictures.

Cheers,

Jim L. in OR

OK, the one I'm pondering is the 2462 - also a 4dr Sedan. That is real good to know and it probably was used for all the 200's - whatever their trim level. At least I don't have to worry about replacing something that wasn't there to begin with.

Thank you, because of you there is one more point in its favor.

Jim L. in OR

Hi all,

Well, I went out to look at the '51 I mentioned at the start of this thread and was pleasantly surprised. For a 60 year old original, it's in pretty good shape. At some point there was a repaint in a "red" Packard never intended but it was obviously a top drawer job so if I get the car I guess I'll have to learn to like red on a Packard - at least for the foreseeable future.
I do have an interior question that all the photos in the archives failed to clear up. This is a 200 deluxe (trying very hard to be a Patrician, but more about that later) and I was surprised that the door panels, while showing the same pattern in the photos are actually devoid of cloth and the pattern is pressed into the door panel it's self. Is this the way the 200 Deluxe came?
About being a Patrician Wannabe. The car was either a Dealer show room order or ordered by someone who didn't have a garage big enough for one of the 127" WB models. It has the Cormorant Hood Ornament, the three jet louvers on each rear door and quarter panel, the Patrician's chrome fins atop the rear fenders and what really looks like carpeting through out that looks to be as old as the car & there is no evidence of there ever being the standard rubber floor covering anywhere.
I took it out for a drive and it drives well, the Ultramatic does everything it's supposed to do and the engine runs pretty smooth despite having what sounds like a stuck valve (a very rhythmic "chuffing" sound from the exhaust). It was too dark in the garage to see what engine it had and after the drive I simply forgot to check. It does have the oil bath air cleaner and oil filter and what sounded like valve clatter when it was first started, died away fairly quickly; so whatever engine it is, I'm pretty sure it has Hydraulic Lifters.
The temperature gauge stayed where it should have and there was nothing from the idiot lights once the engine started.
I'm thinking really hard about this one. I'd say more, but the last time I shot my mouth off before having the title in my hand, the deal evaporated. I'm not usually superstitous, but......
Any help about the door panels would be appreciated just to satisfy my own curiosity.
Thanks, in advance -

Jim L. in OR

I hear ya.
With this economy though, it's possible that some just don't have any more money to spend - hence the sale.
However, when you get to things like you mention - they have the parts; just can't muster up the energy to put them on - I don't get it. I've seen cars on ebay that the seller hasn't even bothered to clean up! Takes all kinds I suppose.

Jim L. in OR

It was the version of Adobe Reader I was using. Thanks BigKev.
I downloaded the new version and all is well. May all our Packard problems be solved so easily!

Thanks again,

Jim L. in OR