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

Hi All:

I'd like to start working on my Pacific. Starting with some body work and a paint job. Years ago I tackled this myself. But I need to go professional this time. Most of the body shops, in my area, won't tackle this unless I do considerale prep work. Consisting of removing and re-installing all the chrome and stainless. I did most of this before. In the first restoration, except 2 areas. The stainless steel mouldings around the front and rear windows. These areas scare me, as I don't know what I'd be getting into. The front windshield moulding probably doesn't need to be touched. As there are no leaks and no corrosion. But the rear window is another story. There are no leaks, but there was considerable corrosion around the bottom of this moulding. I repaired all I could see the first time around. But I know there is more damage under the moulding. As some slight rust marks appear. Especially after washing.

What is involved with removing this moulding? How would you guys tackle this?

Thanks

Been awhile but as I recall, the lower molding is held on by clips with studs that go thru the gasket and bolts on inside. To confirm, remove the package shelf and if there are nuts every foot or so just at the metal, that is it. Upper I believe is similar but not as many bolts.

Also, if the gasket has hardened it will be almost impossible to remove it and glass without damage so be prepared to get new rubber if doing so. Fresh ones are still a PIA to get back on. Require a tool to insert the rubber locking strip and a second body is sure helpful. There is a description of procedure in the body section of service manual.

I think the procedure and mounting style is the same as 56. When my rear glass exploded I had to install a new one and the molding was held on by studs that went thru the sheetmetal into clips that engaged two holes in the body metal and then flipped up over the stud and held in place by nuts. The rubber locking strip broke into multiple pieces as it was old and brittle. I found a reasonable substitute using the locking strip for a Dodge pickup rear window. I did have to section that strip with a piece of antenna tubing for the holes for the clip studs that hold the molding strip in place.
Luckily the gasket was still pliable as there was no replacement then. Working the window gasket back in place was very easy. I don't know if the 54 rear gasket would be as easy.

Erik (Warren),

Welcome to PInfo. I see you have been posting for a few months.


Were these guys helpful? WOW, I learned a lot just reading their responses (and i am not asking for help).

Sounds like your 54 is a work in progress (again). Please post it on the Owner registry (I didn't find it there).

Give us a BEFORE picture. We can enjoy the AFTER pictures even more.


DanL

Oh yeah Dan! Real helpful. They confirmed what I feared. As a result I will not disturb these areas. I'll confine the work to a paint job and some re-chroming.

This site is top notch. With knowledgeable people and a wealth of information.

Thanks
Warren

Quote:
Dan,

It is in the Registry.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/registry/View.php?ID=515

Apologies Oz,

I am just drumming up business for your
Packard Owners Registry.

Maybe I got too conscientious, carried away, it's that 500 thing, wanting to push to 600, 700,
Till Kevin has to find space on a massively-parallel-supercomputer of the Blue Gene technology generation.


BTW Nice looking 54 Erik!

It really isn't all that difficult. I believe you could remove the moulding, clean up any rust, repaint it and have the moulding back in place in a day. You may not have to remove the glass, but you won't know till you remove the moulding. I say go for it.

Quote:
Speaking of Kev, it would be a good idea to move this thread to the Post-War Forum, would it not?

done!