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

Quote:

Randy - I was referring to a special Automotive News publication that celebrated Packard's 40th anniversary. It was distributed to dealers in February of 1940.

(o {} o)

Attach file:

---

  (30.82 KB)


  (38.94 KB)

There were two most popular types of shock absorbers used by Custome Body Builders were as follows.

Watson Stabilator Company of West End Avenue in New York City.

Houde Engineering Company of Buffalo, New York, which made Houdaille shock absorbers. The Houdaille distributor in New York City was C.I. Barrows located at 36 West 63rd Street.


John F. Shireman

John, wouln't you think shock absorbers would be selected by the chassis builder rather than the body builder?

Quote:

That makes the most sense to me.

Perhaps they were selected by the Coach maker since the chassis maker may not have been aware of the finished vehicle weight. But thats just speculation on my part.

Owen: I think Big Kev answered your question.

The two main suppliers of glass for the coach builders was as follows.

Triplex Safety Glass Company of Hoboken New Jersey. In the mid 20's they brought the idea of none shatterable glass to this country from England. This shatter proof glass did not have wire running through it as some others did.

M. Rawle Company Inc. located at 210- 212 West 65th Street New York City. They offered both polished plate glass and indestructo none shatterable glass. The firm claimed their glass wouldn't yellow.


John F. Shireman

TriPlex laminated glass technology (a sandwich of glass and butyrate) came from Pilkington. The Triplex name and xXx mark was used for a long time (1980's at least)in Britain. Pilkington now owns L-O-F (Libbey-Owens-Ford) glass and still produces auto glass.

kazmer: Thanks for the information concerning Triplex glass.

Clocks and gauges for the custome coach builders were supplied by Elgin, Waltham, Smiths and Jaeger. Most of the clocks usually gave eight days of service before requiring a rewind.

The Jaeger Watch Company showroom in New York City was located at 36 West 47th Street. Jaeger also had offices located in London, Paris and Geneva.


John F. Shireman

I found this watch on ebay. Apparently Waltham also made commemorative watches for Packard employees Packard Appreciation Watch but that might have already been known. I thought the watch was nice though.

After a coachbuilt car was finished it was tested by the body maker. It was often necessary to adjust the rear springs and shock absorbers to the weight of the body in order to get the best ride.

I recall an interview with an old time body designer who recalled one particularly difficult job. They tried 4 different spring sets and 2 different brands of shocks but weren't satisfied. In the end they put on the best springs and both sets of shocks and sent the job out.

This was on a Lincoln. He also said Franklins had the smoothest ride and were easiest to deal with in regard to setting up the chassis.