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

If that was my car, I'd consider repairing or replacing the running boards before spending a lot on paint.

There has been lots of good advice given here but I will add my two cents. I have rescued numerous buddies over the years and the one common mistake they all seem to make to to underestimate the time and money needed. I take the approach that completing a car in smaller tasks keeps your out of pocket manageable and your time spent wisely. Completing a car is like a puzzle with many pieces that are needed to see the whole picture. Complete some project like a fender or a door then drive it for a while then rinse and repeat. You need to see progress and have the satisfaction of seeing something completed before moving on. Dont try to put your arms around the whole car at once. Do all the mechanicals first. I doesn't matter what it looks like if it can't leave the barn.

For a Base coat clear coat repaint on a '39 4 dr. with PPG, look to probably spend $30,000.00 for a really nice job. Running boards will be about $2500.00

theres not a paint job in this world worth 30,000
just get the same paint u have , try 2 fenders ,if u have problems ,,im sure u can find a shop to do them, same time ur not tying ur car up,and dont take any parts off the car to paint them, as far as the running boards , get that truck bed liner material, walmart has a good selection of it,
basically the car isnt worth much more painted then how it sits there now, so why waist the money

As far as I know, clear coat wasn’t used in 1940 and didn’t appear for may years after. To me, it always makes a vintage car look quite odd.