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Am working on a 1940 160 convertible sedan. Can anyone tell or show me how the trunk was finished? Cardboard on the sides? Rubber mat or carpet on the floor? Want to do what's original and don't know what this is at this point. Would appreciate any help thanks David Coco Winchester Va. david.coco@comcast.net

Are the trunk areas judged and required to be factory correct? Seems the correct material is not available for some later models and as such some are using a close repro and others using modern materials.

Per the Nov 1, 1938 Service Letter, they started using a beige rayon flocking in the trunks on the 17th series so assume that continued onward since it was also used in postwar cars. Flocking is available today but the fibers are much finer and smoother in texture than those Packard used in trunks. It was typically applied to the sides and over the wheelwells and rounded surfaces but apparently colors did vary slightly over the years There is some question if it was also on the flat floor. The purpose of the article was to inform dealers on tools and how to repair the flocking if it became damaged.

EDIT: Just read the discussion at AACA and since the consensus is there was no mat on a convertible sedan, would still think they probably did the flocking rather than leave it plain or painted metal.

The flocking is an interesting thing, although it would seem that it wouldn't hold up well. Thanks for comments. As I stated on the AACA forums, I find it hard to believe that the metal floor in an upscale 160 would be left bare metal, but anything's possible. The fellow who owns the car I'm working on wants it done as correctly as possible, that's why I'm looking for originality. thanks

The flocking is in my car (I've always called it carpet). It is on the sides, and on the floor. It has a fiberboard backing of some sort, which makes it look flat when sitting on the ribbed floor of the trunk. I always thought that "flocking" was some sort of spray on procedure. This stuff is definitely not spray on, which is why I've always called it carpet.

The flocking in this case is definitely spray on. That service letter gives the name and part number of the fibers used on 17th series, the type of adhesive and shows a small applicator tool with instructions on how to apply the adhesive and recoat the fibers. Even though Packard says it is, I agree the stuff is not very durable particularly if there is luggage scraped across it. That is probably the reason for the repair procedure.

The 41 fact book goes into detail on how those trunks are prepared and the flock applied but since we don't have a 40 book unknown if the same procedure was used. I would almost bet it was but if the convertible sedan has no mat it is sure interesting they would treat one model differently than the rest. There is a photo of the 41 treatment but the quality is poor. The carpet vs the leatherette mat is not detailed. Probably carpet on seniors, leatherette or rubber on juniors.

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This isn't my trunk, but it looks the same with the all original material. Carpeted top, bottom and sides.

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There are a couple of Project Blogs here on '40 Senior Convertible Sedans. Can't remember if they got into their trunks in detail, but you just never know.

Joe's - The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Jim's - 1940 Super 8 160 Model 1803 Project

This is what Gene Tarewhawty has to say about it:

"The material for the 180" is called hogshair. It is dark brown. The trunk floor of a 160 had pebble grained cardboard and the walls were tan flocked. The 180s had hogshair brown carpet over the brown cardboard and the same hogshair material on the walls."

Though it's been a number of years since I purchased any, Bill Hirsch used to carry a number of hogshair carpet materials including at least one in a very dark brown. It was a very good match for what was used for interior carpet in the Eights and Super Eights of the mid-30s, a bit more plush than trunk hogshair but perhaps the good alternative.

Might also consider what LeBaron-Bonney might have.