Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Just got this vehicle and am assessing what's needed, missing.
1.There's a cutout w/ screw holes on the firewall between the wiper motor and the heater, like something's missing. Same level about as voltage reg and right of the antitheft #. What goes in there?
2.What's the best way to come up with door keys? It needs an ignition switch. I don't want a bunch of keys. Can a locksmith do this or do I need special restore tech? The gas cap was locking type and I found the keys but it's not turning. I got it off, but lock may be frozen. I suspect it's cheaper to just buy a replacement but I don't find this option listed til '51 or so. Can it B original to car?
ps: I'm finding when I say Packard around here, if they aren't >55, I get a what's that or never heard of it reply...Having grown up near Warren, OH, it's all I ever heard. why do people store old cars in fields without at least spraying with oil and protect from moisture/vermin? This car would B 98% if it hadn't set out.

I dont know my Bathtubs, but is that were the coil and armored cable assemble attached?

If it's the item where the arrow is pointing it is the thermostatic valve for the heater you're missing.

Keys depends on the locksmith but if you have a decent one locally he should be able to take care of the key situation. If not there are places we can recommend who deal with the older cars. The front doors and ignition are off the round head key and trunk and glovebox the octagonal. If you need an ignition switch you can probably buy one with keys and have the doors made to match. Max and Kanter both list the switches although since you don't have one to exchange you will have to find out the price and options. You may also need the bezel if the whole thing is missing.

Locking gas caps were an option and still available from some vendors.

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G'day Fish'n Jim,
to PackardInfo, and I invite you to include your '49 Deluxe Eight Club Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Thanks, that's it and explains why the one heater hose is plugged off. U don't need much heat in GA where it came from.
I checked on suppliers of key switches before the post, but didn't know if the key blanks/lock cylinders were still readily available. I had that problem once at work, no one had blanks.
I might get skinned alive and filleted by this group for saying, but it could be a 12V conversion, if the motor don't, but I have faith, it turns. I will promise to restore the interior to as near as original as they can make it, with modern materials. It musta been gorgeous in it's day, just seeing what's left. Love that art deco interior look. There's just not much value in restoring these bad boys when you can buy a nice one for the cost of rechroming it's bumpers...

I have had luck finding keys at a local owned hardware store-not a Home Depot type. The clerk went searching in the key blank inventory and she found one!!

Fish'n Jim for including your '49 Deluxe Eight Club Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Hey Big KEV;
Kindly refer to my lovely "motor car" as a FASTBACK! Save that BATHTUB on wheels call for those ugly 4 drs! I wouldn't even touch them to sell for scrap!
I wasn't looking for this car, it found me. I'm a sucker for a wayward Fastback. I was pursuing some other manufacturers, when this one rolled by. I like the '48 better because there's no side trim. But who could pass up a 50th anniversary anything????
If we still had motor cars, Packard would out sell Toyota today, but they make cars and automobiles now. Granted the stock bumpers give it that arcade bumper car look, but to a lead sledder or tail dragger, that's way cool. I'm old school, but not spark crazy. I can sculpt out the unnecessary and make them more beautiful and less chrome money to go with those '59 Cad tailights I'm going to french in...Gonna make a MERC owner HOWL...
If I was any good with wood, I might dabble in the prewar orangecrates, but it's too much welding to metalize the beasts. This torq monster would inject and turbocharge those V-12s! I looked at one '37 coupe, but someone used plywood on the trunk corner. 60 Hail Marys!
ha, HA, HAAAA!
Enough of cars, time to go fish'n.