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

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 1939 and 1940 bodies? Is the 1939 Super 8 body the same as the junior 8? I am looking for a 1939 Super 8 body. Don't need the chassis. I have a 1940 120 body in great shape, but don't know if I can substitute it for the 1939 Super 8.

The 1938 Super Eight shared bodies with the Twelve which were the traditional, senior body type, i.e. with wood structure and steel skinning and 1938 was the last year the Super Eight used that body construction. In the 1939 only the Twelves retained that type of body construction, the Super Eights used junior bodies.

As to the differences between the 39 and 40 junior bodies, I'll leave that question to someone who knowns them better, but the grille shutter assembly and surround are different (wider).

I'll give a start to this - the front sheetmetal is mostly different (except the front fenders, drilled for parking lights) of course, otherwise the rest I believe are minor differences...

1939 v. 1940 trunklid is drilled for a different handle mounting. minor.
If the 1940 body was a deluxe, there may be the outer side window mouldings, which were not available in '39. Minor, nice addition or fill the holes.
The 1940 120 likely has the electric wipers in it, Good. No visual difference.
Will need to transfer the front vent windows - 39 has cranks, 40-120 has a thumb latch. Or let some Packard know-it-all catch you on that...
You will need to retain the 39 Super 8 runningboards, very different to 40-120.
And the dash. Slight differences in the substructure, so plan on simply putting the 39 dash(complete) into the 40. Or leave the 40 dash in and save yourself at least 5 grand. Seen that more than once...
39 Super 8 has a rear center armrest, the 40 may not.

JimW - your turn....

Mightily impressed with Flackmaster's knowledge above. For years, i owned a '40 120 and realized all the sheet metal was the same as a '40 160/180 sedan on the 127" wb. But i assumed, at least from the cowl back; doors, rear fenders, trunk lid, etc. were same as '39 120/Super 8.

Live and learn. Packards, as we know, are the best, and Packardites themselves a cut above most old car folk.

Oh, and lets not forget the dome lights are different 39/40 and of course the rear armrest ashtray trim and lighters are different. Interior garnish moulding dfferences... Robe rail on back of front seat is different....lots more trim differences, assist handles, carpet, etc...but back to the body transplant...bottom line...go for it.