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

Was woodgraining ever offered as a option on a 38 1601 Jr. coupe dash?

No.

Rats

Why?

I like the look of a woodgrained dash but I'll trying to keep my car authentic

1938 was the first year all steel Packard body, the factory wanted to show it was modern and had got away from the woodgraining. After that year the buying public told the powers at be they wanted the woodgraining back and it returned the next year. When I owned a 1938 1601 30 years ago I had to know why it looked plainer than the 37's and I did research then. Yes without a computer lol.

Interesting comments on wood graining. So was it ever done on the Juniors. I too am trying to stay original. One member told me no, but I saw Juniors at Hershey done both ways. I have a 36 120B convertible 999.

Thanks!

Phil

phil88m6, I have a 1089 (115C Convertible Coupe. The dash is wood grained, but the door window moldings are not. The windshield frame is chrome plated.

Just my opinion here...

if you want it, grain it. It's a Packard afterall not a Ford or a Corvette, not a run-of-the-mill car. While it may be true that woodgrain wasn't a standard offering I can't see it having any ill effects on value or show results. Packard took pride in offering their customers whatever they wanted, and yes I know that practice was more along the lines of the senior series of cars, but like I already said...it's a Packard. If you decide to do it hit me with a PM. I've been woodgraining since 73 with 100% customer satisfaction. I've done 3 38 Packards.

In ref to our buddy Highlander and woodgrainning.

Unless you can prove it was done by the factory with documentation, I would give a demerit for Authenticiy in that category from a judging standpoint.