Definitely a 38/39 120 by the bonnet trim ,radiator and sidemounts. A very desirable vehicle but not a Super Eight.

I would look at the Starter Motor Serial number. Some of the interchangeable starter motors have much higher torque than others. I am sure there is a thread on this within info.com. I put a later higher torque starter in my 38 Six and it made a lot of difference. I am also aware that as starters get worn, bushes and brushes get wear which can affect the performance substantially. Are you able to borrow a starter from a friend with a good cranking motor and see if it makes a difference? Peter Toet

Is it possible that the person responsible for the wiring problem used Lucas wiring? Packard wiring was not infamous for its shorting and "smoking" ability.

The Seniors have a big heavy gearbox and I always find it easier to almost put it into Second to allow the synchro ring to slow the gearsets, then put the gear lever into First or Reverse. Peter Toet

I suggest definitely not an OEM item.

It was probably a restorable car 40 years ago when it was driven into the field. Definitely a 38 Eight by the tail lights.
can't figure the duct tape on the dash?

I had an 8 volt battery in my 38 Richards Six for a few years and it was great on starting but caused other issues. One is that the voltage regulator for 1938 (probably the same for 1939) was non temperature compensating and really poured the amps into the battery until the regulator warmed up. The high amps was very hard on the wiring loom/Ammeter as well and the generator was probably lucky to survive without throwing commutator solder. I went back to 6 volt and still have a brand new ( dry charged) 8 V battery if anyone in OZ wants one. Probably OK for a VW. I would not do it again on a Packard. Peter Toet.

I agree that there must be something wrong with the charging system which could be easily checked with a Volt meter. I am running a single 6V Pos earth Optima in my 38 Twelve and it appears to be entirely adequate. A bonus was that there was sufficient room in the battery holder to put a 12 Volt Gel battery, which I run as Negative earth to the Cigar lighter for GPS, Dash cam and other 12 Volt accessories. I use a 6v and 12 V battery minder for each system and plug in under the running board. Peter Toet

Hello all and thanks for the advice. i shall pass it on and hopefully the outcome will be a good looking headliner. Peter Toet

Hello all, I have recently removed the stainless acorn nuts from Noels 41 160 Coupe as the studs had been reinstalled at different lengths after the block was decked. In some cases the acorn nuts were bottoming and were not torquing the head. I went back to the original nuts. The stainless acorn nuts look great but there was probably a good reason that Packard did not use them as OEM ( or did they at some time? ) I have seen some disasters with stainless wheel spokes as well. Peter T