Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I plan on painting the 120 this winter, and will be starting on the body work after the summer is over. Question - on the side trim on the hood, it looks like they are riveted on, and can be removed by drilling them out. Is this correct? And if it is, what is the best way to reattach it later? Small bolts or rivets?

Next question - what is the technique for removing the front radiator grille? This looks like a lot of fun, especially with the thermostatically controlled louvers. I'm arguing with myself over removal versus masking.

Any advice would be gratefully accepted.
Thanks

Hello David, I assume that the beading on a '39 is similar to that on a '38. I have done a bare metal re-paint of my '38, so all the bright-work came off.Whilst it is perhaps less work to mask the beading, to remove them is simple. It is also simple to replace with small bolts and nuts.
The grill is another kettle of fish. The only way I can imagine removing this is to take off the entire front shell, which entails its own problems. But perhaps if you go this far then it only remains to remove the mudguards[fenders] and the whole painting exercise is straight forward.
Good Luck.
Dennis Nielsen. South Africa.

Thanks Dennis - I suspect the right answer for me is to tape off the radiator grille. This is going to be a nice driver paint job, not a 100 pointer for Pebble Beach.