Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

Hey Craig. The motor is a 1970 Lincoln 460. The air cleaner and valve covers are hand fabricated, CJ aluminum heads, Blue thunder 2x4 aluminium intake,2-600 cfm Holley carbs. Started making the fuel tank.

Attach file:

---

  (165.48 KB)


  (162.20 KB)

Fuel tank pretty much done just need to prep an paint. Started on steering wheel and column. Going to use the original wheel just making it smaller diameter and change for new shaft an updated horn. Making a new column with newer shaft and signal switch and some of the Packard features.

Attach file:

---

  (183.47 KB)


  (195.08 KB)


  (209.55 KB)


  (184.34 KB)


  (252.19 KB)


  (200.86 KB)


  (217.47 KB)


  (235.70 KB)


  (226.88 KB)

I am impressed with your fuel tank and how it looks installed. Paint it black and I doubt many would be able to tell it was not stock. Since there are no repro tanks I'd bet there are some who wish they had one too.

42 CLIPPER STREET ROD
Although I personally am a purist/authenticity nut, I cant help but admire the superior work described here.

This is going to be one magnificent automobile. I can see enough from the photos to determine this is a combination of the highest quality work & craftsmanship, coupled with use of high quality parts, combined with brilliant thought in terms of the technical / engineer aspects.

BRAVO !

But here's my question - let me suggest a background for that question.

More and more car shows that were once quite rigid in what they would accept, are now open to "street rods".

For example, here in Southern California each year in June, we have an outstanding event at Lacy Park in San Marino, which is fast becoming "Pebble Beach South". Each year a larger and larger per-centage of the cars exhibited fall into the "street rod / custom" category. From what I can see, this '42 CLIPPER is going to be the "best of the best".

So here's my question. Why call it a "Packard"? You are entitled to take credit for your outstanding work - why not name it what it is - YOUR creation - using YOUR name and/or facility. You obviously know how to get emblems made; why not make one up so the public will know who you are and where to find you should they want to partake of your extraordinary talent !

I suspect that the fathers of most of today's car buffs were not yet born when the Packard Motor Car Company closed down.

How many of us who own "real" Packards have been asked at car shows "what IS a Packard"....! Most folks today have no clue what the word PACKARD is, or meant, and could care less.

As best as I am able to determine, what you have is some of the exterior sheet metal of a Packard Clipper, which will be covering a superb job of modern quality work, materials, and engineering.

Would I be correct in saying virtually NONE of the finished product's parts would fit a real Packard Clipper?

The bottom line of my question - is quite simple and obvious. Get some proper descriptive emblems for what you have done. TOOT YOUR OWN HORN....YOU DESERVE IT !

Side note - if I had the money and knew where to find this guy, durn right I have some ideas for my '51 "250" convertible !

Many thanks for your encouraging comments. I am fortunate to have free rein by the car's owner to create it as I envision it. Although I know that purists would not consider it to still be a Packard I am trying to keep the classiness of the original car. Thanks again.

Some progress. Steering wheel almost done. Brake booster and pedal installed also accelerator installed. Fan shroud made and clutch fan installed. Now pluming a/c, steering and hydro boost lines. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Attach file:

---

  (227.24 KB)


  (242.26 KB)


  (227.34 KB)


  (248.04 KB)


  (205.75 KB)


  (213.21 KB)


  (248.14 KB)

Nice. Am curious what made you choose a Hydro-boost over the usual vacuum. Space or performance or something else?

Hi Howard. The cam lift is taking away from engine vacuum engine builder recommended hydro boost and it worked well for size. It's as small as a 7" dia. booster.

Some photos of progress.

Attach file:

---

  (206.22 KB)


  (184.53 KB)


  (212.92 KB)


  (200.35 KB)


  (231.95 KB)


  (197.88 KB)


  (151.40 KB)


  (231.13 KB)

Just a little update. Made a new pair of skirts, the owner wanted to see some of the wheel. Body is painted cut and buffed.

Attach file:

---

  (221.18 KB)


  (188.80 KB)


  (277.20 KB)


  (223.39 KB)


  (203.74 KB)