Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

The '39 and '40 fenders are essentially the same other than the holes but the 1940 headlights are quite different, looking more like the lights you got. The 1939 lights stand up on the fender on pedestals while those on 1940 are semi-integrated down onto the fender without quite being built-in as they where in 1941.

Not to confuse matters, but here's a '39 120 Convertible Coupe with added parking lights. Only trouble is the added parking lights are off something like a '37 Oldsmobile. Believe adding parking lights to non parking light cars was a "relatively", whatever that means, common occurrence back in the day.

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Chris,

Another picture, this time of a '38 Twelve. Wondering if the lights you're after are the same as those used on the "Senior" cars of that era? If yes, would expand your search horizons but also likely, a commensurate increase in $$$$$.

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Still another pic, this one taken in Napier NZ in 2014 of a 38 Six with parking lights.

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Thanks for your time and posts Ozstatman - much apprec. I guess there are sets of those '39 lights out there, but I haven't had any luck finding any. This has been quite the education for me, as I THOUGHT the '40 lights would be 'just fine'. After all the back and forth here, I am rethinking my thoughts and really agree with those that feel they would be 'just wrong'! Problem is, I hate what's on there now, and yet finding a set of actual '39's is going to be difficult and, as you say, expensive. I do believe that adding 'generic' lights was done back in the day, I'm just conflicted a to whether this would 'hurt' my car in the long run. Like, for instance, the heater it came with is from a 41/42 (I think) and it is 'good enough' as far as I'm concerned, so I guess a lot of it boils down to one's taste and how strict one is, or wants to be, with 'absolute authenticity'. I don't want to be a murderer, but I guess I'm just not a dyed-in-the-wool purist either.

I think that the main point is to not just jump into it by putting in holes for the wrong lights and to be patient. I have seen the 1940 lights on older Packards and they simply do not look good because everything on the 1940 nose was elongated including the lights so they are rather contractictory on the stubbier 1939 nose.

I hear you there, Don.... thanks. Among my few attributes, patience is not in my 'strong suit'!

Chris,

Looks like West has answered the question: "Wondering if the lights you're after are the same as those used on the "Senior" cars of that era?" with his comment in your thread in the Parts Wanted Forum. So, based on that, they are available.

Ozstatman,

'based on that, they are available' is good news, can you give me any leads as to 'who might have'?? I am busy emailing all the 'usual suspects'. Maybe a part #, or a range? Can I say 'all models '36-'39'??
Thanks, Chris

Chris,

Have been advised by the guy here with the parking lights on his '39 120 that:

"The parking light sits on top of the crease that runs along the centre of the mudguard. The leading edge of the body of the park light is directly in line with the leading edge of the body of the headlight. Note, it is the body (i.e. painted section) that is in line, not the chrome or glass. I noted when fitting the parking lights to my car that there is a "sweet spot" where the base conforms to the mudguard and it just seems made for that spot."

Will help when it comes time to fit the pair you will find.