Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

So, I'm a Kustom guy at heart and I'm digging my Packard but it just was'nt me. I only paid $500.00 for it and it was pretty straight so a Kustom was in order. this is when I bought it

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First time around some of you have already seen. Complete mechanical rebuild, lowered, frenched 50 Buick tailights and paint.

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Now here is where some of your stomachs are gonna turn. I had a crack in the windshield so it was a perfect opportunity for a haircut. 4" in front and 6" in back. I also decided to make it a 2 door. I braced the body, removed the roof and entire "B" pillar. I relocated the pillar to have a 48" door. Welded the pillar in and welded a brace to the frame and throughbolted as original. Cut 8" from rear doors and welded them in and use the rest to extend front doors.

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Next I slanted the upper "B" pillar to match the roofline and welded up the rear doors solid in and out. The rear window was'nt going to work so I scored a 49/51 Plymouth window and frame. I had to remove a fairly large section of roof to get the flow to me liking. I rolled a new pc on the english wheel and tacked it up with frame where I wanted it.

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Then I extended the window frame to the deck panel and tacked everything up. Next is the sail panels. I mocked them up in heavy rosin paper and cut them out of sheetmetal. Right now I'm rolling and bending them on the wheel so what is in the pictures is the rosin paper template. Next will be doors and window frames. Hope ya did'nt eat before you read this!

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OldGold: Keep the pictures coming. Certainly not what I would choose to do to my Packard, but it is your car.

John F. Shireman

OldGold: YOU just might be the right guy to build that custom rear bumper I need which I described in my own thread on this "modifications" forum.

How about it?

Jim G

As the man said, keep the pictures coming.

Even though I wouldn't attempt it either, I won't be one that will get pi$$'d because it's a very interesting project. Besides that, I can't even get along with a can of Bondo so really do admire your skil set and want to watch the progress.

Between you and Turbopackman, we're in for an interesting few months.

OldGold, I really can't believe you'd destroy a prime example of Packard styling!! SHAME ON YOU!!

On a serious note, YOU ARE MY HERO!!! You need to come down to Wichita and help me build the body on my Speedster!! Love the pics, keep 'em coming!! And to paraphrase an old saying, "If it's too radical, you're too old!" Just pleeeeeessseeee keep the original engine!! (Or at least a Packard V8!) Too many guy's build cars like yours and totally f' it up by putting the everyday SBC in it. Nowadays, it's totally unusual to see an original engine in a car as modified as yours. You'll have more lookers at a car show if you use the straight eight. And if you want a little extra power out of it, I know a secret or two on them!

I love the straight 8 Turbopackman. Runs like a swiss watch and sounds sooooo nice running a straightpipe. This baby will keep all her original running gear and even stay a radio delete. After all I do have appreciation for a fine automobile. Definately won't be anything modern here. I just need the "certain look" that differates from every other.