Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

Well , The chrome spear on the front if it is in the stock config Looks perfect. My question was about the belt line extending back. I saw your before photo. Is that the way it originally was installed with a short extension which ended mid trunk? or did it extend all the way back?

The taillamps are hand made and will be chrome plated with LED lights, and sequential turn signals. The belt line will be the original one. The one on the trunk lid on the before photos is what it will be.

The work you have done is to be commended. The tail treatment is superb. I see no reason to exclude you from the projects section as there are many cars in process or completed which are not totally stock. some non stock paint while others stock appearing but with modifications to brakes, wipers, power accessories etc. Others may weigh in. There are many here that are helpful and supportive with information regardless of which direction. those closed minded seem to all come from the same stable. Did you chop the top? The reason I ask this and the previous question is to get a feel for whether your goal is to present a sleeker, lower profile?

If so and it will be painted a dark color- Black gloss or flat etc one thing jumped out at me upon viewing the side profile. May i suggest (while still in fab stage) you consider continuing the stainless (or chrome) belt trim all way around the trunk even if hand fab and tapered slightly thinner toward the back and attached to the trunk lid . This will in effect make the rear seem even sleeker/ lower. I am no ch foos e but just a quick sketch. see direct side profile.

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Just some photos of roof chop. I've seen the belt line chrome that extends around the trunk lid on a 50' convertible. (which I think would work on our trunk lid). I had discussed it with the owner quite early on in the build but we figured it would be a very hard thing to find. But hey if anybody might know where we could fine some I'd love to have it.

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Just an update. Made a molding to extend the door belt molding at the front of the door on to the cowl, it just did'nt look finished originally. Also got the exhaust tips made. We sent everything out to the chroming shop, they said should be done end of March. And been working on the frame. Sould be painted early this coming week.(Feb. 1.)

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looking good! Is that a 9 in ford rear? Good choice. What will be your choice of finishes-paint,powder ct chrome for the frame,rear housing, and center section?

I am just going to do the frame and components in base/clear. And yes it is a 9" Ford rear end.

Nice. The reason I ask is I had the 9 in rear housing narrowed and was given the option of powdercoating it which I did and ran into some interesting challenges and issues with it. By the looks of your facilities I see you are a experienced enthusiast who has dealt with these issues before but a discussion may be of interest to the less experienced who are involved in a project and may be contemplating various finishes incl powder.

I've seen lots of powder coating done by different places just not impressed with the final result. We just had the exhaust ceramic coated ( same process) and it's all ready got some chips on them,don't know from who they were delivered to us that way.