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So, after looking for a better body for my 115c project, I instead ended up with a 1937 1092. I am the third owner, the car has an all-original, never wrecked body, original interior (with seat covers) showing wear, and a rebuilt engine. It was pretty dolled up from the factory - banjo wheel, clock, deluxe heater, cigar lighter, oil filter. Also has the original tool kit. Only missing the radio, which I am ok with. Oh - and no sidemounts.

The original paint presents pretty well, as does the original chrome, although there is some pitting. I intend on just driving it and enjoying it right now, and conducting a piecemeal restoration each winter - some chrome, some mechanical, etc. I will likely get the car repainted at some point in the future. Because it has a rebuilt engine, new wiring harness, etc, I doubt it is a likely to be worth keeping as a preservation class car (plus the fact that it is a junior).

A few questions:

- Where do most guys get seatbelts from, and where do they mount? I want to take my family in short trips in the car, but both of my kids are still in car seats. There are two belts in the front seat, haven't traced them out yet, but they are black, and the interior is tan, and I will also need to put belts in the back seat.

- Anyone have an oil filter part number? I've checked the parts cross-reference here with no joy, and all the major vendors list from '40 and later.

- I have a brand-new re-cored 115 radiator that I was considering swapping in, but the upper tanks look different. Was there a difference in 115 and 120 radiators? It seems like here might have been, given the difference in displacement and horsepower.

Thanks!

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Looks like a nice car. I can't answer about the radiator but suspect you are correct that it would be larger for the 120.

On the belts, I bought mine from Wescowescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seatbelts.html and also bought their mounting hardware kit. I just did the lap belts but I believe HA52 might be using their 3 point setup -- at least it was their link and install instructions he mentioned.

Doubtful any of the factory seat supports or other reinforcements will be in the correct spot for a belt. Wesco has some decent install instructions so I think you will have to pick a general area and follow their suggestions as to what would be a suitable method to attach them.

Congratulations on the "new" Packard. It is a nice looking car. Seat belts are a good idea. I installed a pair of lap belts in the 115C that I purchased from seatbeltsplus.com. Lots of colors, lengths, types, and buckle styles.

(o{}o)

Congratulations as well, nice looking car, something about the 37's that i just like. So what is the fate / plans of the other 115?

Cheers

Hi Ken

Congratulations! What a fine-looking 120 that you get to enjoy now while restoring the 115. Glad to see a young man and his young son getting interested in Packards. As you've noticed, most of us are a bit 'older'. But the maturity and wisdom to appreciate Packards doesn't necessarily have to wait for age.

Please keep us apprised of your experiences and progress with both Packards, we want to hear about it all!

Steve

That looks like that will be a lot of fun to drive

Ken, may we see some photos of the interior, engine, and trunk? Will be interested in your driving experiences between the 120 and 115. Personally, I think the longer front end on the 120s is more attractive than the shorter one on the 115s. Sans sidemounts is a plus too.

(o{}o)

I will post some pictures soon- I was working on the 115 today, and didn't get a chance to take any pictures. For those that asked about the 115. I am planning on putting it together, getting the engine broken in, and then putting it up for sale. Still trying to decide on a price- I know I won't get my money back, or close to it, but I have to decide how much I want to lose. If I do decide to keep it, I want to put a 1085 or 1088 body on it with blackwall tires, because it seems like the only coupes I see anymore are hot rods, and it would good to have one on the road in original trim. We'll see. For now, I am just want to enjoy my new car and get the old one in one piece so I can decide what to do with it! There is a driving tour coming up in about six weeks, I am planning on taking the 120 on that.

A few pictures to post - sorry about the poor lighting. I think I have dropped my cell phone a few too many times, as a lot of my photos have a reddish tint. I didn't get a photo of the trunk - it has what appears to be the original rubber coated sheet above the spare tire and the original tool kit in a very dilapidated bag. I haven't had the opportunity to exam it yet.

I drove the car to work today, just for fun. It drove well, started easily, nice and torquey. I do have a few things to do - I think the center pivot bearing on the steering is worn out, and the clutch needs to be adjusted, but overall it was a very pleasant experience. I have about a 12 mile drive to work, mostly along country roads and a country highway, so it was perfect for motoring. Not too much fun over 55, but that was the speed limit anyway, so it worked out nicely.

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Ken,

Love the pic of the pair of Packards in the garage!