Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

The grille shell is worth twice as much as the car!

Nice score! If you wind up parting it out, I might have a list of small parts that I'd be interested in.

Alright, had some time to look through the car today to see what I bought. Our family was on the way back from spring break in California, so we made a side trip to Astoria Oregon to pick the car up. Had to rent a trailer, and I was in a hurry to get the car loaded and back on our way....we still had another 5 hours to drive, and had been on the road for 7 already. Loading was much fun, using a hand winch to move the car 6 inches at a time. 3 flat tires did not help either. But I have the car and it's all good.

The car is model 2665, a 1953 Clipper Deluxe Club Sedan. Paint code C (Polaris Blue) and interior code 53 (blue striped Bedford cord). I will get a registry entry up soon.



The bad first. I don't think the car can be saved. But I will defer to the experts.
Floor pans on both driver and passenger are nearly completely missing:



Significant rust by the passenger rear wheel



Bondo and rust behind that wheel



Trunk is rotted out near the rear panel



Windshield header is rotted out

And now for the parts....

The grille shell is pretty good, much better than the one on my car



Parking light housings aren't great



Side wings are bubbling quite a bit



Headlights trim is perfect!



Front bumper has a large bend underneath, lots of surface rust. But honestly probably better than what I have. I'll how it cleans up



Hubcaps are probably only good to mount on the wall now



These rear wings are show quality



The taillight trim is not terrible

Engine is there, no idea if it's free. I haven't tried yet. My guess it probably not.



Heater core still present



Radiator appears to be in decent shape



Carter 928S carb and filter bowl can be rebuilt



Fuel pump still present, can probably be rebuilt



Generator present, a little rough



Starter missing. Not sure I like the rust I see in there



Distributor still present

I can use the BTV brake components if I want to return mine to original. Should be a good core to rebuild.



Instruments



I think most of the stainless trim is there and on the car






Power antenna still in one piece!! I need this on my car. My mast was broken off before I bought it






Reupholstered seats and door panels. Not correct, but not a bad job either. I can't use them, so I hope somebody else can

Is only the solid piece at the top of the antenna bent? Or the tubing also?

I could use a manual antenna for my 55. I would need all non-standard mounting hardware and the little boot included.

Quote:

The top is bent, and the rest is a bit bent too. I think I can unbend them. On second look I don't think this is a power antenna after all. I may still end up using it for my car....not sure yet. I won't be using the radio but I don't like how my mast is missing.

Quote:

Looking forward to seeing it.

Quote:

Actually, wait... I think it is a power antenna. Motor mounted way lower than the 55 style, IDK if it's even compatible then...