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

My 120 has had skirts added. I see this a lot on the Darrins but were they also available for the club coupes?

Next, I am considering adding a side mount (if I can find one) to my 120 in order to gain more trunk space. I would appreciate comments on this idea; good idea or sacrilege? Thanks

You may also want to find the heavier front springs which were, for most (all?) years and models, fitted along with the sidemount package as you'll be adding a significant amount of weight to the front end.

I don't believe a single sidemount was an option - duals or nothing. The covers are the same 40 - 42. Be aware that while it frees up trunk space it is a bit of a PIA if you need to use the spare. besides springs, tire, and cover you need the hanger/bracket and attaching hardware. Check tire clearance in the well, it's a tight fit

Frankly, I wish my 1941 120 Business Coupe did NOT have sidemounts and had a spare in the trunk. #1 Looks - the profile of the coupe looks too heavy in the front with sidemounts, much lighter looking without them. #2 Cost: That 2nd spare is not needed with today's modern tires and I have $225 sitting in a sidemount well, instead and #3 PITA: as mentioned, if you do need to use it there is all the fuss and bother of the bits & pieces to remove before you start working on the tire change.

If you really need more truck room, wasn't 1940 the last year for a rear-mounted trunk rack? You might be better off getting one of those instead.

Be happy with what you have.

Thanks gents. Sage advice and well put. I had not really thought through the implications of the extra weight issue. Adding heavy duty springs plus having to build up my biceps to turn the wheel does of sound good to me. Thanks again.

I agree a trunk rack is the way to go, use it when necessary, and when not, it totally adds to the look of the car. I can supply if required....upcoming annual holiday sale...

Do you have a photo of the rack in situ? Thanks

Here's a photo of one on a '40 from the Photo Archive here on site.

Another photo.

And if the photo of a trunk rack on a Darrin is not enough to convince you, then take a look at this photo of one on a convertible coupe:
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2121

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Both of those photos are of Senior Racks on Senior cars. The junior rack has rounded corners and is slightly smaller. The look is the same as 38-39 cars, the only difference to 1940 being the 1940 rack has the fluted trim, similar to your belltline mouldings. I do not have this trim, it is reproduced in stainless which is better anyway, as the original trim is thin steel and nearly impossible to re-chrome, so it really isn't a detail I worry about when selling a rack.