Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I recently acquired, at long last, a '47 Custom Super 8 sedan and was wondering if anything of a "build sheet" or birth certificate would exist in any databases. Does anyone still keep active records anywhere or have most of the files been destroyed? I was able to get a sheet based on the VIN of my previous car (Ford Motor Co.) but am not sure about the world of Packard. Has anyone else tried this in the past?

Thanks,

Auggie

G'day Auggie,

You have a very nice Packard as evidenced in your Registry entry.

Regarding your question about history, unless the "build sheet" is still secreted somewhere on the car, the usual place being tucked above the glove box while others have found one between the fuel filler pipe and body or under a carpet or seat frame, you're unlikely to find anyone one who has it unless it's a prior owner. If you do find the "build sheet" be very careful in handling it because after almost 70 years of hibernation it will be very brittle. Another option to explore, if you're a PAC member, is contacting the roster keeper for that year/model. Don't take all that as definitive, others may chime in with more relevant or detailed information.

EDIT - On the PAC Website there's access to a list of Roster Keepers. Click on the Roster Keepers icon on the left side of the Home Page. Then scroll down and open the PDF.

You can order your original Build sheet from Studebaker below.

they will send you your build sheet at the car went down the assembly line listing all options etc. as well as build date, time etc.

studebakermuseum.org/store/production-orders/

Doesn't really sound like it covers Packard, only Studebaker cars and trucks....
John

I don't believe the Studebaker Museum has any availability of build slips except for some models of the 1955/56 years. There may be some very small collections of build slips in private hands, for example the 1956 Caribbeans, but I'm not aware of any for the 21st Series. Your only chance for a build slip is to find it still located in the car, or with documentation that prior owners might have provided.

Augie:
That's one absolutely gorgeous car, though I never owned a
21st series , I always wished I did. The build sheet on my
49 was under the rear seat, have you looked there?

We discovered a build sheet for a 22nd Custom Sedan on top of the glove box. Like Mal wrote, be careful if you find it as the paper is most fragile.

(o{}o)

Yes, studebaker has production orders 36-58

What information is on the sheet? Is it a scanned or reproduced document from original archived paper slip? Does it have the body # aka " thief proof" cowl #?. The website says some Packard 56-58. May they have some 55 and earlier and would anyone know if earlier ones are electronicically reproduced from microfiche etc?

Thanks for the feedback gents, as well as the compliments! I will take a tour inside the car and see if there is any evidence of a build sheet from the factory -- none in the glove compartment, as I've already checked there, but have not looked under the seats yet.