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

I was out on the highway the other day and the headwind was such that my hood started to flutter quite loudly at the back of the hood on top. I checked under it when I got home and see some small holes there on the top of the firewall lip, obviously for anchoring some kind of stripping. I looked through Steele's offering and don't see anything specific to that area and I can't come up with a part number in the parts list. I THOUGHT maybe a guy could put some nice, neat strips of adhesive-back closed cell black foam in there just to fill the space and not give the fairly thin metal of the hood, any room to flutter. I view this as somewhat of a jury-rigged solution and would rather locate the 'real thing'. Anybody know of a source for the correct rubber molding for there??
Or what do most owners do?? Thanks, as always for any help or suggestions. Chris

Chris, If you haven't already done so, be sure to request a Steele printed catalog as it has countless items not found on their Website. The site is very basic and limited in what it shows. From memory, though, mine had hood lacing that was riveted in place but I'm not really sure if that's how it was attached as it was a long, long time ago that I owned my 1939 Six.

Can't help on what is correct but maybe Flackmaster or one of the prewar guys will see your question and can answer. If not, here are some photos from the archive showing what others have done on their 38-40 cars. Steele has what he calls a peel and stick hood to cowl piece in his Universal Seals and Parts peel and stick extrusions category as well as several other different peel and stick shapes. Also has a large selection of general shape cement on extrusions.

If the holes are large enough there is a selection of stem bumpers also listed in the Universal Parts section. Perhaps one would fit the holes and be in a shape to stop the flutter but still be easily removable. A few of those could help until the proper solution is determined.

In their PDF catalog which you can download, Restoration Specialties has several sizes of the old style woven fabric hood lace and anti squeak or cushion pieces. Those are sold by the foot. They have one called a channel lace that looks similar to what is on some of the mid 30s cars.

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Chris just drives to fast..... LOL

There's a pic in this post from when I replaced the cowl beading on my '41 Coupe. Used S/S screws to replace the rivets.

Chris;

For what it's worth many pre-war cars used lacing between the hood and cowl, such as, but not limited to early Ford products. I also believe this lacing was a commodity item, and not unique to any one car manufacturer. The reason for the brand X reference is purely cost. I think you could pull-off the entire project for less than $20 if products marketed for early Fords is used, which may have the same cross section as the original Packard item, but I don't know that for sure. Ford lacing was attached with split rivets, which are quite easy to install, but do require a team of two. My experience is the hood lacing will show wear initially as a color change (initially black which wears to a much lighter tan color), which I keep after with a carbon black paste intended for wood stoves, but I'm sure KIWI shoe polish would suffice. I believe keeping the cord material as dry as possible is key in the longevity of the lacing, hence the paste or polish touch-up to hold down the wicking of rain water.

Or you could leave it as is, and consider the hood flapping as a gear extended upper air speed limit (Vle) warning device . . . much better than the fender flapping alternate.

dp

Thank you! for the responses, Guys. 'Cowl Lacing' - I knew it would have a proper name, just didn't know what it was. I will give Steele a call and see what they have for 'generic' beading and fasteners. Those photos show it perfectly.
Quote: John, you sound like my wife! ...I was only maxing out at about 55 on the highway.... seems to be the sweet spot for that six. I have Coker radials installed and she handles very well on the highway.... quite pleased. I put on several hundred miles over the summer and no major issues. (knock on wood!) Plates run out at month-end, so shall put her up on blocks and engage in a few 'off-season' projects. Having it on the road and being able to drive it this year has been a real gas! Well worth the expense of a rebuilt motor. Chris.