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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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BTW, that is indeed a 120 engine, not a super Eight. Thank your lucky stars.
Posted on: Yesterday 18:45
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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Home away from home
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Quote:
Why 
Posted on: Yesterday 19:26
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry Email (Parts/service inquiries only, please. Post all questions on the forum.) service@ultramatic.info |
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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It is possible, even likely, that a late 1938 (overlapping with the delivery of 1939's by the month of november) could have received a column shifter...especially if either it was the only subassembly available at that late date Not likely at all. It is a 1939 plain and simple and it’s not the first time that questions about this very car have come up. In any event, all cars’ model year starts around September of the prior calendar year and everything about this one, other than the door handles, is 1939 and Packard did not “phase-in” changes in this degree. 1940 had a couple minor changes over the model year (bumpers, wheel covers, trunk emblem) and so did some 22nd series cars but, as far as I know, not 1939. As for the handles, they were likely replaced at some point and no one noticed the difference because at a glance they are very similar. Unfortunately Packard never stamped the VIN on the chassis or anywhere else so, unless the build sheet is found hidden away somewhere in the car, you’ll be sore pressed to register it in some places. Certainly not in California if the VIN verifier does their due diligence.
Posted on: Yesterday 19:27
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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Because everything about a 1938 Super 8 engine is terrible. The '38 Super's are known for cracked blocks. Something with the metallurgy. They are a one-year-only engine, with many other parts (like the water pump) being a one year only item. Repairing the block is probably a waste of time, and '37 or '39 Super engines are also super rare. Add to that the Super engines are not easy to work on. The block and the crankcase are two separate pieces, so there are way more bolts to remove and replace. Also the rods are too big to fit through the block, so getting the pistons back into the block and mating it the crankcase is dumb. So much easier to have a "normal" straight 8 from those years. We've been through 3 tries on 2 different '38 blocks and all ended in failure. Now on a '39 block mated to a '38 crank and seems to be working.
Posted on: Yesterday 19:47
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Kevin
1954 Clipper Super Panama "Van Halen" | Registry | Project Blog 1938 Super 8 1605 | Registry | Project Blog 1953 Clipper Deluxe Club Sedan "Rusty McRustface" | Registry | Project Blog 1956 Packard The Four Hundred "Tanner" | Registry | Project Blog |
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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But nothing visible or clear features from the photographs or engine serial number to undisputedly identify it as a 120 engine? Your opinions and experiences are real, not in question and are based on shortcomings of the Super 8; however, specifics are what will resolve this for the original interested forum member. I also speculated on a few possibilities but followed it with specific evidentiary requests so that forum members can help to move the ball forward. What photo or info would enable you to conclude that it is a 120 vs Super8?
Posted on: Today 7:59
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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Quite a regular
 
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As written earlier, the data plate for 11th series Packards was a sticker. The photo of this data plate clearly shows panhead screws
in each corner but shouldn't these be roundhead screws? This indicates tampering and since the data plate lists the Packard as a six even though it has an eight cylinder engine, I would steer clear.
Posted on: Today 8:22
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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The Super 8's have the distributor mounted on top of the head, this engine has it mounted on the side. The crankcase on the Supers is a separate piece and is bare cast aluminum, this engine is all one casting. The Supers have a large water distribution jacket running the length of the engine on the driver's side, this engine has an internal water distribution tube. The Supers also had a totally different oil filter setup with a large Purolator filter, connected to large lines that ran to an oil cooler down low. Definitely not a '37-39 Super 8 engine.
Posted on: Today 8:28
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Kevin
1954 Clipper Super Panama "Van Halen" | Registry | Project Blog 1938 Super 8 1605 | Registry | Project Blog 1953 Clipper Deluxe Club Sedan "Rusty McRustface" | Registry | Project Blog 1956 Packard The Four Hundred "Tanner" | Registry | Project Blog |
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Re: Questions about ID'ing a 1938 Eight
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KevinPackard:
Affirmative...thanks for the real data. Further info: Also, the Super 8 Touring Sedans have the flat single pane rear window, not the split (which was for the 115/120 models) and the old style "bullet" tail lights/stanchions (of this, unfortunately and unwantedly, I'm an expert on:packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=263701) It appears that the vehicle itself is a late 1938 120 with a few new 1939 model year items (column shift, trunk/boot lid has concealed, not external hinges) that either were part of a phased-in factory installation or post-purchase retrofit. The tail light is 1938/39 120; see:streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4487-tpa/1938-packard-120 I saw the stray comment on "VIN sticker" which honestly, I've never heard of except for a body build number above the glove box or under the passenger seat area on SOME later models; Body VIN plates of this era were metal, screwed onto the firewall or eventually the cowl; see:undercovercars.com.au/our-vehicles/1938-packard-120-sedan---358365 I believe someone needed a model/body plate along the way; found one and used it; again, I would very carefully inspect the title first to see if it matches and shows up as valid for that state of registry. The DMV of states do VIN checks all the time, so it is not a big deal to start there...if there are ANY anomalies, then make your decision appropriately. If you want to make it a driver, you need a valid title; parts cars not so much. Proof of ownership and proof that it is not on the "missing or stolen" list is your main objective. If there is not a title, depending on your state, you can re-apply for a new VIN, new title, registration, etc after a nationwide title search is done (find a Title expediter that you can meet face to face and with referrals from someone you know/legit). As KenP so aptly mentioned; the representation in ads he sees of "...getting a new title is no big deal" is malarkey...it is a multi-step process that is not difficult but has time lags and uncertainty. Personally, I would make the seller work with you and have THEM do the due diligence and do the titling/VIN checks at their cost. If you purchase it, sans title, take several $K off the purchase price AND assume the risk that you are buying a parts car if it doesnt pan out.
Posted on: Today 8:55
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