Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

Today I started on the restoration of my 2279 Super Eight convertible. These pictures give an idea of the starting point. Hopefully, within the next year it will be completed and ready for the next PAC national meet in Branson.

Attach file:

---

  (13.40 KB)


  (35.78 KB)


  (42.61 KB)


  (43.76 KB)

[quote]
49packard wrote:
Today I started on the restoration of my 2279 Super Eight convertible........./quote]


Dave,

I'm looking forward to seeing your '49 as it progresses through the restoration. Keep us posted and with plenty of pic's along the way.

Two days of hard work and I have the heater, horns, underside of the dash and the fan refinished. My fingers are sore from sanding. But, I am getting there (slowly).

Attach file:

---

  (31.70 KB)


  (28.14 KB)


  (7.62 KB)

Quote:

Dave,

Good start there, parts look great. What paint are you using for this? And from the pics, looks like the parts are in the kitchen, is that right? If so, you have a more than understanding wife, you have a saint!

That's enamel.
When I remodeled the kitchen for the wife I put the old cabinets in my shop. I even included the oven. When I get it wired I can powder coat small parts. Recycling, I think, is much like restoring old cars.

After a couple of days more work I'm getting some more done, slowly. I found a couple more grease pencil marks on the firewall. These marks lead me to believe that the car is unmolested. I'm not sure what these notes mean. But, I would think they are inspection marks. If yoiu know let me know. Thanks.

Attach file:

---

  (16.85 KB)


  (17.23 KB)


  (14.83 KB)

Well with a trip to the vampire and parts chasing I got a good half day in taking the 49 apart. I guess that means I have put in about 2 1/2 days getting it to this point. The front fenders are off and disassembled. The engine will come out when I get the transmission disconnected from the chassis and drive shaft. I take it apart and determine what it needs. But I expect to do a complete overhaul, bore it, pistons rings, mains, rods and cam bearings. With some luck I should get it out and mostly apart this weekend.
The following pics should give you an idea how far apart the car is.

Attach file:

---

  (36.40 KB)


  (31.08 KB)


  (36.11 KB)

In the last pic. the parts are leaning against my 49 Studebaker Pickup. You know how shop trucks are. You start to build one and it sporadically gets attention when nothing else is screaming. I've been working on it on and off for about 10 years.

The project grew as time went along. It was intended to be just a nice parts chaser. But while it is apart I decided to also use it for a tow truck for my packards. Therefore it needed a bigger engine. I settled for a 440 Chrysler.
Then, the cab was not roomy enough. I lengthened it 10 1/2" through the doors. While I was working on the doors I decided to reverse them. I then chopped it two inches.

Lots of other modifications. But that's another story for another forum.

Hi Dave

Look like you were pretty busy!

I am at the turning point now of starting to put things back together again. Luckily my engine was in great shape so no overhaul just cleaning and painting. Must say the rewards to see the final product is wonderfull!

You have a great looking car there. As far as I know there is only 2 convertibles in South Africa, one is a total wreck but the othe rone is still in great condition.

I also have a shop truck, a 1961 Chev apache. It is stock standard and I use it for hauling things. I think trucks should be used as that is their purpose in life!

Good luck with your restoration.

I only wish mine was as far along as yours. I'm sure it feels good to have accomplished as much as you have. You have a rare car and it's good to see that you are restoring it to keep it around for many more years. I wish you weren't as far away as you are. I'd like to see and possibly drive your car. I've never seen one like it.
Keep up the great work.