Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

A prior owner (for what reason we will never know) welded the fuel door shut and smeared a lot of body filler over it, crudely cut a hole in the door, and spot painted the car. A friend of mine came to see the car, and we could not understand why I had body filler on this fender, when you could obviously tell the whole car had never been painted. I called Max Merritt to see if they had a new fender, but they do not. They are going to see if a new filler door is available, maybe I can repair it, any thoughts?

Attach file:

---

  (123.82 KB)


  (84.85 KB)

Well, got the call from Max Merritt today, they do not have a filler door. So now I am on the search for a rear driver's side fender, or a filler door that I can put in place of this one.

Continuing on with the job, I stared removing parts and assemblies - documenting like crazy this week. I am down to body frame and engine.

Attach file:

---

  (103.45 KB)


  (101.49 KB)


  (141.18 KB)


  (115.33 KB)

'41 fenders/fender parts do show up occasionally on eBay. I found a pair of front fenders (with side mounts) to replace the non-side mount fenders that came with my '41 Limo. Found them in the PAC monthly publication.

I hesitate to ask, but what did the prior owner do to the gas filler pipe to extend it beyond the fender? Hopefully something involving an easily removable sleeve.

Looks like the filler tube was cut in half and this hose was used to fill the extra space. Do you think it can be welded together?

Attach file:

---

  (119.25 KB)


  (132.51 KB)

I've never welded anything in my life, so I'm not the guy to give advice but I'm sure somebody will.

It's been a few weeks, but I have made some progress.. I had the wheels media blasted and they are being painted now. I am cleaning all the hardware in a vibratory polisher and placing in separate bags and labeling for each item. Also, I am polishing the stainless. I have had very good results with the stainless; I will try to post some before and after photos.

Quote:

Can you detatch the filler neck from the tank? If not, then welding will be a little tricky. You would have to purge the tank with inert gas while welding and even then the danger is there for explosion.

If you can detach it, then welding should be pretty straight forward. What type of welder will you be using?

Well, I will have to remove the tank to clean it and have the neck welded back together. I do not have a welder. You all may know this - but I did not until I tried to remove the tank last week end - after much struggle, I got the bolts removed that hold the gas tank straps thinking once the straps are released the tank would gently go towards the ground, and with a little coaxing, I could pull the tank away from the car. No chance. The body of the car has to be raised far enough from the frame to pull the neck through. Looks like another week-end to do this one.

Attach file:

---

  (130.07 KB)


  (111.58 KB)


  (80.09 KB)

OK, I have removed all of the rubber from the running board and had them sandblasted. They look pretty good. Now I have to fill the holes and the indentions from the manufacturing process and have them sprayed with the Rhino Coat. (Note I have polished the stainless trim to a like new appearance.)

Attach file:

---

  (83.06 KB)