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

Still here and I'd be glad to chat. Send me a PM with your phone# and some good times to call.

Dave

G'day Wallybones,
to PackardInfo and, I invite you to include your '32 900 Coupe in the Packard Owner's Registry

Hello, i would like to learn more how genuine and original is my particular car. I found the vehicle number stamped into the rumble seat lid and it confirms the patent plate on the firewall as unit # 558-93. The firewall plate shows no other info other than serial number. Date of manufacture, selling dealer etc, is all blank - i think the plate is likely repo. I would love to learn more history on my car, are there any records around too hunt? I would like to research how many 558's still exist. I only see a small handful - looks like thay all got chopped to make roadsters. I am curious about making it more of a driver but absolutely terrified to modify or change the car in anyway. How do i confirm if the running gear is numbers matched etc. What mods are acceptable to an original car - if any? As i mentioned im new to this art of owning classic packards. Love to hear your comments. thanks
WallyBones
p.s. i just added the car to the registry, you can see an image of it there.

Jeffery Hammers in Pennsylvania is the 900 guru.

Often it's quite easy to spot a reproduction patent plate, how about a photo?

The date on the patent plate is NOT the date of manufacture, it's the date of first sale and its primary purpose was to record the beginning of the factory warranty period.

I believe that there are at least 15 558 coupes existing at this time. Wouldn't be surprised if there are a few more out there.

It can be said that all coupes started life as a coupe roadster since they share the same body. The coupe roof was added during assembly. Since it is relatively easy to make a coupe into a coupe roadster that explains why a lot of the coupes were converted into convertibles. The only way you can tell what it left the factory as is by checking the rumble seat lid number and the golf club bag door wood, if it still has the original wood.

If your 900 is tuned in and bought mechanically brought back to factory specs you will not need any modifications to keep up with modern traffic. It will stop and down the road just fine.

Wallybones for including your great looking '32 Light Eight Coupe in the Registry.

Wow, that is one pretty car!!! Chris

Quote:




Gary (Wallybones), when it comes to your specific car, that is shown in the owner registry, then the internet is a rich source. Take for example -> this page:

"A passionate car collector, restorer, and active AACA member with numerous restorations under his belt, he discovered this rare Packard outside of Buffalo, New York in the early 2000s. He brought the car home to Ohio where he and his family began the painstaking process of restoring the car to concours standards. Penn-Dutch Restorations of Glen Rock, PA was called in to perform the body restoration, paint, and detailing ... Following its outstanding restoration, this Packard was shown in numerous AACA events, earning its First Junior at the 2012 Southern Fall Meet, and a Senior National First Prize at the Auburn Spring Meet. It was also shown at the 2012 Glenmoor Gathering. In the time since the restoration has matured while remaining worthy of display in regional concours and club events today. Such is the Light Eight's rarity, exquisite style, and historical importance, it qualifies as a CCCA Full Classic and is thereby eligible for CARavan tours and Grand Classic events, where the brisk and lively performance that makes the 900 so desirable can be fully appreciated."

From one newbie to another,
Thanks for the comment, when my car arrived it ran but just barely, they had installed a 6v electric fuel pump to try to eliminate stalling - drilled holes in the frame to mount it, much to my dismay. After several, very careful, dismantlings of the updraft carb i found that the air door was sticking in its slides and making it act like it was running out of fuel and stall. Biggest problem was misalignment caused by wrong gaskets - wounded alignment pins, heat checked webbing on the slide. with get care and handmade gaskets i was able to reassemble carb without it binding and car runs great (i removed the aftermarket fuel pump). My syncro trans leaves a little to be desired and would love to switch it up to a more modern 5-spd with real syncros, but im afraid to hurt originality for driveability. It seems the cars are worth more if they are reliable drivers so i would love to here some banter about mods for driveabilty versus strict adherance to originality.