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

I wouldn't recommend to pull the front clip until you see if it runs. It's not that difficult to work on the 8, if I could do it. If you jump into a pile of parts, and it doesn't run, what are you prepared to do?
Also, need a space and means to catalogue, store, and protect those parts. The car serves that function assembled.

And don't forget the electrical. If the overall wiring is as hard and brittle as most have been found, if you decide to remove the fender try not to excessively move and flex the length of loom that has to disconnect from fender terminal block and move out of the way. A lot of movement can affect that entire section where loom exits the firewall and splits in different directions. It could cause all kinds of unseen damage as the old insulation cracks and splits but stays hidden under the outer wrap.

I'd leave that bad boy just like it is. clean it up good like you have been and get it mechanically sound and just enjoy it. preservation class for sure!

I second HH56 comments about the electrical. The 65 yr old wiring is a problem. Be very careful behind the dashboard! I have my '49 running after looking for electrical shorts for 2 weeks. Got the lights, horn and other electrical all working, but I will need to install a new wiring harness.

Now it licensed and I drive to the local car show (donuts and coffee also) on some Saturday mornings. Get lots of looks and questions. May not be the prettiest girl at the ball with a bit of rust and peeling paint, but many come by and say "My Dad (Or Grand dad) had a Packard, I could just barely see over the front seat".

Enjoy, you have a great start.

I had similar issues about 4 years ago when I bought my 1950 Deluxe 8. I wanted a Packard in nice driving condition that I could have weekend fun with. I got a pretty original car that was rust free, but it needed everything. That was my fault because I got a false description and misleading photos and I never physically checked out the car. I have been repairing and restoring it bit by bit as I drove the car, and that kept it from becoming a "pile of parts." However it is very inefficient to do that. For example I had to rewire the car. I replaced the headliner before I realized it needed rewiring, so that prevented me from rewiring the wiring under the headliner. There are many other examples.
The problem was that I never expected to spend over $40,000 restoring the car, but it ended up that way. If I had a clear goal and budget in mind I would have bought a restored car. That would have been cheaper and I would not be so horribly underwater.
My advice is to make the car run reliably, shine it up, and drive it. If you want a restored car, sell the one you have and buy a restored car. It is cheaper and faster to do that.