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

Was the 120 convertible dash board wood grain or painted body color? I've seen cars done both ways.

If the 1941 models are any indicator, whether convertible or closed, then the dash should be woodgrained. The only time the dash board was painted body color was when the car had the optional, multi-color/two-tone, leather and cloth upholstery. Unless you have that option, then you need to woodgrain the dash.

IMHO, the reason you see so many cars with a painted dash is because it is cheap and easy to do. They take a shortcut and send it to the painter rather than having it woodgrained. When I purchased my 1941 convertible it was Laguna Maroon, but had a red dash and red wheels - that was the first thing I corrected.

What you say is true, Roger. Most people tend to cut corners by painting rather than woodgraining. However, the opposite can be true for those with deep pockets. When something's supposed to be painted, I've seen where over-the-top restorations have had things done to "dress" them up to look even better, to Wow the concours judge as opposed to the judge who is more knowledgeable about what is correct and not correct.
I can find photos of a super finely restored 1940 120 convertible with the woodgrained dash, but I tend to think an original car is a better place to look for those kinds of details than a restored car.

G'day rick60,
to PackardInfo.

And, I invite you to include your '40 120 Convertible in the Packard Owner's Registry.

All 1940 production Packards Had woodgrained dash board and panels, except the 180 which plastic panels. This is all spelled out in the 1935 to 1941 parts book.......

I don't actually own a 1940 120. I saw two different cars last summer and was wondering which version was correct. I saw both versions when looking at photos on line. I may be shopping for one in the future so I want to know what is correct. I have to sell a few cars in order to finance the purchase of a Packard so it may take a while. Thanks for the information.

Good luck with your search and impending Packard ownership!