Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

I know that this will get some negative response, but I have a stock 1941 120 as well as a parts car. I would like to resto-mod the parts car to make it arough daily driver. Is this a modern chassis/platform as a starting point that anyone knows will fill the wheelbase or just be a well fitting modern swap?

How modern are you looking for? Most recent model cars have no chassis per se, and most are short wheelbase front wheel drive and unit body, or body and sub frame. You might look at some 1980's / 1990's half ton pickup chassis. But, it would be a lot easier to swap in something like a Ford 300 inline six or a Chevy 292 six, if you don't have a good Packard engine, and keep the Packard chassis. The 1941 Packard chassis is hard to beat, and a '41 Packard with a stock engine and overdrive transmission is a fine daily driver or road car. If you go to a "modern chassis", nothing will fit, and it would take a LOT of work and re-engineering to make it fit and perform well. On the other hand, doing an engine swap would provide plenty of challenges, but not nearly as much as trying to fit a much newer chassis and engine and associated parts and systems. A newer, big bore Ford or Chevy inline six would fit in the '41 engine bay and provide factory mounting points for an air conditioner compressor, alternator, and power steering pump if you wanted such amenities. The slightly shorter engine would probably greatly simplify setting up a cooling system and accessory drives.
The 292 or 300 CID six can be had with a carburetor and mechanical fuel pump that can be directly connected to the original fuel tank, and the original oil pressure and temp gauge, ammeter, and gas gauge would work. You would not have to deal with sensors and vapor recovery systems, catalytic converters, complex wiring and so forth, and the stock exhaust system could probably be connected easily to the modern engine. I don't think you'd need to move the steering box or modify the front suspension unless you insist on power steering.

Probably a C10 swap or something would be the ticket. Doubt anyone here would know.

I would compare wheelbases first of all...

To go along with what others have said, don't forget that standard 6 passenger Packards of that era had the same basic body structure for all models of the same style with trim and finish being the main differentiator. Long wheelbase models have a longer section behind the front seat but are the only ones having bodies built differently. For the difference in wheelbases from one standard model to another, that was accomplished ahead of the cowl with long or short front fenders and hoods being the visual difference. Whatever brand X frame you choose make sure to keep that in mind.