Not a Packard, but very representative, in my opinion (read the description)

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/709281360772836/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A8d7d3696-f7d2-4025-8083-1facf60378ad

Quote:

It appears to be, based upon the available pictures, but you never know until you have a chance to touch it, and actually check the right places.

It might be useful to see how the current battery is connected, and make sure to install the new one the same way (by default, should be 12v negative ground for the 1956).

For the general maintenance, most of the necessary information can be found in the Owner's manual:https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/56_Pack_OM.pdf and especially page 26. Since this car is new, to you, it would probably make sense to have it closely inspected to make sure that everything is sound mechanically, etc., and it is safe to operate (especially the brakes).

For the regular maintenance, you should be able to use the materials available at the local auto-parts stores.
Oil - viscosity/type according to the manual; I would use synthetic (although, some people are against it).
Oil filter - you need to find a cartridge that fits. If the local store does not have them, you should be able to order a bunch of these online.
Fuel filter - same thing. Original filter is a cartridge in a fancy glass bowl. For a quick temporary fix, however, you can use a generic in-line fuel filter of applicable size.

I would just stipulate that, aside from the physical depreciation of cars due to wear and tear (which would likely be of primary importance when assessing the residual value of industrial equipment), for personal vehicles we should also account for the "moral" depreciation, caused by the loss of their exchange value due to certain advances in new car production

In other words, how many people decide to get a new car, because it is no longer cost-effective to maintain the old one (and that, alone, already depends upon several factors of modern production), versus because it is no longer fashionable, or is somehow outdated, unreliable, "old", etc.? And how these trends differed throughout the years...

You can totally rewind it. There used to be people who did it professionally

If you really want to restore the original mirror finish, maybe one of those DIY spray-on "chrome" applications might work? That is not really chrome, and would not stand-up to the elements, etc. But I suspect that it might last for a while, inside an enclosed light assembly.

Also, if you are really into chemistry, I believe that there are other options available for actual plating, which could be polished to look chrome-like. For example, I purchased some tire spokes which were zinc-plated, and looked like chrome (even mirror-like finish). I am not sure how difficult (and safe) if would be to do something like that in your garage, though. But further research into the subject matter could be useful.

I also like the chrome trim "bows" very much. This, indeed, seems to be the hardtops-only thing.
Although, how often will you notice these things while using the car, anyway?

Oh, that's in Germany...
Do you have an illustration of the other side of the pump, that would be pressing against the seal? Depending upon the way it is made, maybe an o-ring might work as well.

Is the new seal a large o-ring, while an old one is a flat washer type?
I would definitely inquire with the kit supplier about that. This does not seem right.

You might be able to cut the proper seal from the universal gasket material of applicable thickness.

Quote:
I think so. Only, I would probably use cloth covers instead of plastic. Cloth will feel better, when in use, and it is also breathable, which, I assume, is a good thing.

For the paint, I would just clean, polish it, and have it waxed all the time. I prefer to use that wet wax, or what ever it is called, so that you do not have to rub it. I am sure that the car will look well cared for, and at the same time authentic and antique.

You might also want to put some covers onto the stepping boards and maybe even consider getting a custom top, so that you can keep the original in a safe place, to use for car shows etc. Moreover, if you do not already have one, I would get a car cover to keep the sun\rain away when not garaged.

Also, please share more pictures!