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

Hello, all. I am at the point in my '37 120C Touring Sedan restoration where I need to locate information and / or materials to replace the missing roof insert. In the modern pictures, I see the insert being black, which tells me that it is waterproofed canvas, but in some earlier forum responses, it is implied that the insert was the color of the car, which might imply that it is of another material. Does anyone have any information on whether or not it was the color of this model car and / or where I might obtain the materials and instructions on how this insert is put into place?? What materials are used to seal the insert and for the '37 120C, was the top always black regardless of the vehicle color, or did it actually match the car color? I would think that it would be more monetarily efficient to, for the junior series, to have the insert the same color for all sedan models regardless of body color. Also, part of my question is when the top is sewn in place, does the thread go all of the way through the insert to seal it in place, or is the material folded and it is sewn only in the under fold? I would appreciate any information anyone might be able to give. Thanks.

Black. Medium grain Vinyl. Lebaron Bonney or I think also Hirsch. Lebaron should be able to consult on proper padding on top of chicken wire. Perimeter edges sealed down with goop, then tack strip nailed atop.

I'm not sure vinyl is the correct description, I believe Packard continued to use the traditional Cobra or Colonial grain rubberized fabric roof topping right to the end of that type of construction. Restoration Supply offers it.

Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. I shall investigate this forth with. I do appreciate the information you have supplied.

Hello. I tried looking for a URL that pointed to something such as Restoration Supplies and spent about 30 minutes doing so, but to no avail. I did send e-mails to both Lebaron-Bonney and HIrsch concerning the roof inserts and am awaiting for their reply. If you possibly have the actual URL that points to such a site, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Try this.

restorationstuff.com

Then click "download the catalog".

Thank you. I'll definitely do that.