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Sadly, I am down to one Packard in the garage again. The 115 is off to a new owner, and I will focus on preserving and improving the 120. I have taken it on a few drives since purchasing, and have only had one small problem - it got a little warm pulling a hill. I was trying to pull the hill in 3rd, and when I downshifted it did cool back off. I thought I might have heard some light pinging too, so I will check the timing before I take it out again.

As I have crawled around the car, I've noticed a few things that aren't quite right. The exhaust is in poor shape, actually dented in a few places. I will need a whole new system, and I am kind of on the fence about stainless or not. What did the car have originally? Any opinions about one way or the other?

It sometimes grinds going into second. I will look at the clutch adjustment first, and if that checks out, may consider dropping the transmission to inspect the synchros, and rebuild if necessary.

I found when I washed the car that the roof seams leak. They have some silicone over them already, so I will have a project to try and figure out how to preserve what is there while repairing it.

The interior doesn't have any floor covering up front, and the rear is shag carpet, so I would like to figure out what stock looks like and take it back to that.

Finally, I am planning on a lot of cleaning, polishing, etc. to try and get her looking as good as possible. I may even install some or all new weather stripping.

A lot to look forward to this winter, as fall is here, and that means it is almost time to put her away for the year. I did buy a battery tender that should be able to keep her happy and healthy for spring.

With the advent of unleaded gas a normal mild steel aluminized exhaust system will last a VERY long time. Plan on 20 plus years in the absence of salty winter driving. I will admit also that I am not a fan of the tinny exhaust note that seems to often come with the SS mufflers.

Thanks Ross!

I am planning on Waldron. Any recent dissenting opinions?

Good on you Ken.
SS muffler: I had one custom made and fitted to my 120, 1602/1191, about 30 years ago and it still shows no sign of age.
Acid moisture from the combustion tends to make a non stainless muffler most prone to attack after short runs. My previous non SS mufflers struggled to last 5 years.
Tinny sound probably comes from thinner casing some may use, not a problem with mine, even though it should be 6" longer (their press was too short). Pipe diameters also make a big difference; 2.25" header for hot gasses, 2" or 1.75" tail for cooler gasses seem to work well, quieter too.

Ken, for what it is worth, I have had a non-stainless steel muffler on my 115C for over 9 years with no sign of it failing. The exhaust and tail pipes are also non-stainless, probably installed in the late 1980s and holding up well. I bought the muffler from Kipich, which I believe is no longer in business. It should be easy enough to source one from our traditional suppliers.

Congrats on selling the 115C, you two had your moments. I have been able to keep in touch with one of my former Packards and maybe you will be able to watch the progress with the 115C's new owner.

Looking forward to your posts on the 120C.

(o{}o)

I have aluminized steel pipes and mufflers on the 56 Caribbean, installed in 1997. Replaced the mufflers last year, pipes were still in excellent condition.

Thanks for all of the information guys. Now I just need to order my exhaust!

As I was asking about preservation vs. restoration, I wanted to post some pictures to show what I am looking at. Thanks for all of the information and advice so far!

Of note:

1. I believe the mileage is accurate.
2. There is a service sticker showing an oil change with 48k in 1953 on the door jamb.
3. The car was at the Packard centennial in 1999.
4. Even though the car is a '37 model, the engine was cast in '36 and it was delivered in '36, so in 53 Ohio had the car titled as a 1936 model. It was corrected on the title when I bought the car.

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Well Ken it looks like your 120 is ready to be upgraded: SBC, 2 inch chop, channel the body, shave the doors, purple pluche interior and a set of dice!

Ok, on a more serious note, I would definitely preserve. I had an all original 36 120, and the only problem I run into was having kids! My kids loved the car, but the original material on the seats looses a lot of its strength after 79 years. I was always scared that it would rip if they weren't careful. Usually I had a blanket on the seats but that doesn't drive very comfortable. Because I didn't want to be the 1 that screwed up the nice interior I decided to sell it. The 3 guys that bought it are absolutely in love with it, and its their favorite car out of their impressive 15 car collection!

Looked at the pictures I posted again - the paint on the passenger side is better than it looks! I took the pictures in my driveway, and the picket fence is reflected on the doors!

Went out for a drive today - 41 miles. The leaves are almost done turning, but still beautiful. Also saw an empty barge coming down the Hudson. As a mariner by trade, it gave me the heebie jeebies to see a barge that is probably 30 by 150 in a channel 35 feet wide as he lined up for the lock! Clearly no currents, or they couldn't get away with it!

More fun than pictures (typical) but it was a beautiful day to enjoy the Packard.

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