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

Hello. I was looking at a 48 4dr "bathtub" sedan in good solid condition. I'm not a huge Packard fan, but I've always liked that style. The car is mostly complete (I think...) and runs well. Missing the air cleaner and seems to only need tires, exhaust, a headlight and back-up light lens. Is there any peculiar problems and quirks to these models or any parts extremely difficult to find? I'm looking at this car as an occasional driver. I own an Edsel and I manage to keep it running and driving good so I'm willing to work on some challenges.

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Mechanical parts should not be too hard to come by for most things. You didn't say which engine but the senior 356 engine parts and senior trim might be the hardest and most expensive to acquire. If you can provide a vehicle number off the Left cowl and motor number off the block above & to rear of distributor, will help narrow down what you have and any problems. Should be one of the more plentiful Packards in various parts yards though.

Other than the Electromatic clutch option being a bit of a PIA to set up & keep adjusted properly, nothing comes to mind as to issues. If you have the option, most just turn it off and admire how it looks.

There are some real experts on the 48-50's here so help will be readily available.

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G'day Chuckltd,
to PackardInfo, plenty of experienced, knowledgeable and friendly Packard people here who can help if required. Can you please include the '48 in the Owner Registry if you do buy it? Including a pic, any known history and how you came to acquire it.

Welcome to PackardInfo! I think a 48 would be a fine cohabitant to your Edsel. The 48 shouldn't be to hard to find parts for, no tougher than any of the three years of Edsel. I own an Edsel and Packard and find them to be different yet each very fun in their own way.

Weather you buy this particular one or not, I hope there is a Packard in your future!

Best of luck,
Jim

Thanks so far. By looking at pics on ebay and on the web, I've determined that the car is most likely a Standard Eight. Brown or really dark tan interior with green exterior. It's not Serpentine green. Can't remember the name of the other green for this year. It appears to have antique lisence plates since 1982. That's also the date of last inspection. It's at a car lot in Old Forge, PA. The car was in the "front row" 2 years ago with a $9000 price tag. Since then it has moved to the back row next to a dumpster do to lack of interest and getting some weathering. I asked about it yesterday and they said $3000 takes it. Is that a fair price for this model? Due to the worn paint and chrome, I'd rate it as a low #3 to a #4.
Did these cars handle well? I drive mostly local but sometimes get out on the highway for an hour or 2 at speeds of 60 to 75 tops. I know that todays' speeds are harmful to some older cars.

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By the way, my Edsel is a 1959 ranger 2dr sedan. 6 cyl. auto and it's a slug when pulling out from a stop and has trouble with steep hills. OK on the highway at 60 to 70 tops, but has a terrible ride compared to most cars I've driven on rough roads.

A picture is worth a thousand words - can you take one and post it? If they let you under the hood and in the cab, the more pictures the better. It won't tell us the hidden problems, but at least the obvious photos will give you a ball park figure. Check the rocker panels and for signs of leakage at the radiator, tranny and rear end.

I got one of the front end. Under the car looks good with only some seepage on rear and gearbox. Radiator looks ok but I won't know until I run it long enough. The only staining on it looks like from spilling. Interior is dirty and has some staining like a car that has sat for years. Only real damage is to the driver's door panel. A piece of fabric similar to the shape of Nevada is torn off. Has all hubcaps and both fender skirts are inside on backseat. I only snuck one photo as I had salesman bugging me and I was on lunch hour.

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At first glance this looks like a solid specimen. Chrome and stainless look good. Can you poke around a bit to look for rust problems (floors, trunk, rockers) just to make sure? I don't know the 48-50 models real well but if this runs and stops, $3K sounds very reasonable.

I think it's an Eight Deluxe. Stainless trim over the side windows but base hood ornament.