Thanks for the tips you've passed along thus far. I have to admit I was a little sloppy on my model designations. Saying a 6 or junior 8 would have been more accurate and all-encompassing.

As far as pre-war cars go, I do have a bit of experience. When I first discovered the antique car hobby as a kid, Model A Fords were everywhere. I've driven several Model As over the years, but never got to the point of pulling out my wallet to buy one. I've driven a Model T once (and only once!) as well.

More recently, I helped the widow of a long-time friend by getting their Model A running again. But, having delved into the nuances of Model A design as part of that exercise, my interest in owning one cooled a bit.

So, if I'm considering a prewar car, but I'm less than enthusiastic about the various Fords and Chevys of the era, what should I consider? Well, seeing as I can't go to the AACA meet in Hershey without drooling over every prewar Packard I see, maybe that should be my first clue.

Since my initial post in this thread, I've read a couple of the owner's manuals and shop manuals on this site. They've been most helpful. Also, I like the design from an engineering standpoint - it's years ahead of the Fords and Chevys of the era.

I do have a few more questions.

The Ford flathead V8s are notorious for overheating problems. And, a number of flathead engines are prone to cracks in the block. Are either of these perennial problems with the Packard engines?

I noted the 1935 manual made a point of using the "right" rear axle fluid, and to check with your Packard dealer for specifics. By 1939 or 1940, they're talking about hypoid gear oil in the axle. I've heard that some early rear axle materials aren't compatible with modern gear oils. What do you recommend for use in the rear axle?

Thanks again for the tips!

A few years ago, I got on this site to ask about parts availability for prewar Packards. Based on the responses and other online resources, I pretty much gave up on buying a late '20s or early '30s Packard. I decided if I ever owned a Packard, it would pretty much have to be a 1940 or earlier 110, 115, or 120.

I recently came across a 110 for sale in very nice shape at a reasonable price. Yeah, I know - that's the first red flag . But, for the first time, I'm seriously considering going tire-kicking for a Packard.

Now, I've been a stock Chevy guy for years. I've literally looked at hundreds of stock '55-57 Chevys for sale over the years, and I'm very good at that. But, I don't know the nuances of shopping for stock Packards.

So - can you tell me the weaknesses and "gotchas" of looking at late '30s 110s, 115s and 120s? Things like "a weak point of the design is..", "many have problems with...", "they all rust at this spot", and "make sure this part is there and in good condition, because it's impossible to find".

Looking at how to ID a 110 - it looks like the main things are the tag on the firewall and the engine number. Are there any codes for paint and interior colors? Other numbers I should check?

Thanks!

Thank you, 28Pack526 - that's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for.

I haven't seen any 826s yet, but here's a nice looking 833:http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/packard/unspecified/1650036.html . Of course, that may be more than you want to pay (it's certainly more than I want to pay).

Ozstatman - thank you, and if I do buy a Packard, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

BDC, just so you know - I don't do modified cars. It's not my thing. (Yeah, that makes me an oddity in the '55-57 Chevy crowd.)

And, when it comes to pre-war street rods, nothing makes me cringe more than a Packard street rod. I don't like Ford and Chevy street rods, so when I see Packard street rod, all I can think is - hey guy, did you REALLY have to do that???

So, you need not worry about me stuffing a 350 crate motor in a Packard.

The way I figure it is - if I don't like the way the factory built a given car, then maybe I should buy something else.

Thanks for the info on the overall production figures. That's something I hadn't checked into yet.

I've got a few broad questions for you experienced Packard folks. I'm an experienced "old car guy" who's considering whether to dive into the Packard world, and if so, which one. But first, I need to know about the parts situation.

Now, I've been messing with '55-57 Chevys for about 25 years. I can take one apart and put it back together. I know what's correct and what isn't, down to finding discrepancies between various pieces of factory documentation.

But - I've got this thing for pre-war Packards.

True story: When I go to a car show like the big AACA show in Hershey, PA, I'm always careful to walk down each row instead of skipping around. But - when at Hershey, I've been known to walk right by a Duesenberg to go look at a Packard. This has happened more than once. So, I guess I know what I like!

For purposes of this discussion, let's focus on 2 groups of Packards: those built around 1929-32, and those from about 1936-39.

In both cases, I prefer the smaller Packards - the earlier 626, 633, 733, etc. and the later 110, 115, and 120 (depending on whether you want a 6 or 8 cylinder). For years, I've tended to be drawn to the late '30s models, but in recent years, the late '20s/early '30s ones are really catching my eye. Hence the following question.

Doing some digging around, it looks like the parts situation for the late '30s Packards is much better than the earlier ones. Parts seem to be reasonably available, and the prices not too staggering. The earlier ones however, are another story - tough to find, and even tougher to pay for. Is that an accurate assessment?

I see that Egge still carries engine kits for the late '20s (bring your checkbook, but it's available). But, there's a host of other stuff - ignition parts, brake parts, kingpins, bearings, clutches, etc. Where do you find that stuff for the circa 1930 models, and how bad are the prices? (I've seen people on eBay asking $300 for a distributor cap . Sorry, that's a little rich for my blood.) Also, are any metal trim parts reproduced, or do you just have to find good used ones? What about other reproduction parts - knobs, switches, rubber parts, etc.?

And - who are your favorite parts vendors for each of these cars? It looks like Kanter and Max Merritt are the biggest vendors. Would it be an exaggeration to say "they call the shots" as far as parts availability? Are there other major suppliers for Packard-specific parts? Any that you "check with him first" versus "check with him as a last resort"?

How would you gauge the overall trends in parts availability? Is the supply improving, declining, or about the same over the past decade or two? Likewise, what is the trend in parts prices?

Finally, what are the pros and cons of the "junior" Packards of each era? Are there "known problems" I need to be aware of?

While I really like both eras of Packards equally well, getting behind the wheel of a few for sale may make up my mind. Having driven Model A Fords, I'm familiar with manual spark advance and unsynchronized transmissions. But, it's not yet clear which era I'll like better from behind the wheel as opposed to standing in front of it.

So, I'm looking for advice and constructive criticism. Thanks in advance!