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I have the opportunity to acquire a nicely restored 1940 Packard 120 chassis (127") and front clip, but no body. With the object of putting together a nice driver coupe or open car, what year and model Packard body shells will fit this chassis? I'm not looking to replicate any particular model or year, just a combo that will come together on this chassis with the least fuss. Thanks.

Steve

Quote:G'day Steve,

Looked in the Literature and Manuals here on the Site in the 1935-1941 Packard Parts List under Group 8 - Frame. It shows P/N 348170 for all 40 120's except 1309. So for the "least fuss" my take is that just about any 40 120 body would fit. Whether a 40 110 body would also fit would be dependent as to where the wheelbase difference is. If the difference is forward of the firewall then they would probably fit as well, but I'm not sure so take this "advice" with caution. As to what other years bodies may fit, I'll have to leave to others more experienced in such matters to comment.

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What other model year bodies will fit the 1940 120 chassis, that is a question. I would think 1941 fits, but what about pre-1940? Anyone have an idea?

Steve

I would think the junior 1938s would fit. First year with the all steel body.

(o[]o)

there are a lot of differences between the 41-2 and 40. Look at the doors and rear. A think the "jackpot" would be a 40 6 cyl convt cpe

Hi

The all-steel body shells for all '38-'40 Six/110 and Eight/120 for both 122" & 127" wheelbase cars are interchangeable. The difference in wheelbase is taken up ahead of the cowl to accomodate the longer 120 engine. Additionally, the '39 Super 8 and '40 160 & 180 127" wheelbase bodies are inchangeable with above, though much scarcer to find.

The '41-'42 bodies are restyled versions of the '38-'40 units with larger windows and integrated trunk. The only change is that won't fit the '38-'40 hood sides to these later bodies is at the lower rear hood corner since the curvature found earlier panel surfaces is now cut straight downward. Otherwise, they will interchange just as those noted above between 122" & 127" wheelbase cars.

Since your objective is to assemble a driver, not an authentic show car, any that are available in good condition should be considered, with the caveat for the '41-'42 hoodside/cowl differences.

Good luck with your project.

Steve

Thanks! This is the kind of useful info I like to see. I've seen a few coupe projects from time to time in the 2K to 5k range, so something may come along. A convertible coupe would be heaven.

Steve

Make a Speedster!!

The Packard I drove through my high school years was a 1939 Six (110) Touring Sedan with a 1940 One-Ten (Six) front sheet metal (fenders, hood, grille, bumper, etc.). The original front end had been damaged by a customer to whom the car had been loaned. The '40 parts were a bolt on exchange, if my memory serves me right. So, now you may be able to mix and match more than you thought. Good luck.

(o[]o)