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Hello fello packard members

I have a collection of Packard's from the 1930's model 1500 , 1501, 1502, and 1605. Just wondering if converting these cars from sedans to convertibles would be desireable for a buyer? Any thoughts on this? What do you guys think.

Sean

Hi Sean, welcome to Packard Info. Sounds like a very bad idea. Proceed with extreme caution. I would advise against this.

Jim

thanks for the reply. What about adding either a Stationary Glass Moon Roof to the car?? When restoring these older packards what do I need to do to maximize the value of the cars??

The best way to maximize the value of a Packard is not to customize anything. For the people looking to buy a Packard, any customization would detract from the value. Just my

As a generality, most Packard-philes value originality and are knowledgeable about authenticity. So-called "upgrades" that involve metal cutting and drive train changes don't go over. If you want to sell to the rod crowd, buy a Chevy/Ford to start with and save money.

Another tip - prewar Packard interiors used things like leather , wool broadcloth, and Bedford cord. Not polyblends and vinyl. The difference in material cost is substantial, but most of reupholstery is labor.

Another tip if all you want to do is sell them. Do not touch them and sell them as they are. It costs a lot more money to restore then they are worth when finished. If you are doing the work yourself, and you are not meticulous about everything being correct and authentic, the buyer will take into account that he has to do it all over again and adjust his offer accordingly.

The best thing to do is to get them running, do the brakes, etc., then you'll realize your biggest profit. Once you start putting money into it, you'll probably only get back about 50? on the dollar... and that's if you are doing the work properly.

Thanks for all of the valuable information. What would you say the value of these cars would be after they have been completely overhauled inside and out Restored Interior, Exterior & Engine / transmission/ drive train completely rebuilt.

Again I have the following 1930's Packard 1500, 1501, 1502 & 1605

Quote:

I really don't know how to respond to the idea of adding a moon roof to a pre-war Packard, or any Packard as a matter of fact to theoretically increase the restored value of the car. If this is indeed a genuine question then I would respond by saying you need to proceed the direction of learning a great deal before doing any work.

I tell you what; post some pictures of the cars so this post becomes a bit more tangible and believable. I am not being a jerk, but the question of turning these cars into convertibles was strange, but a moon roof? I don't know... seems like someone is pulling our leg here.

To everyone that has replied to my original post. Thank you for your genuine answers. To 38Super8, I am quite offended by your ignorant post.

My question to the rest of the members on the site is that isnt it safe to say that Pre War Packard Convertibles are worth more money than regular 5 passenger sedans? Is it also safe to say that the Packard Limousines command less money than a standard regular 5 passenger sedan? And its also safe to say that the 12's command alot more money than the 8's. I along with the most of you on this forum have a love and appreciation for the original beauty of the packards.

Anyone restoring any one of these packards should know that part of the roof car was made out of wood and if you actually own one of these cars from the 30's that have not been restored yet, you should know that the wood has probably rotted out and left a big hole in the roof of your car. And if your like me and have a big hole in the roof of your cars you begin to ask questions to other packard owners or hobbyist what there opinions are in turning some of these desireable cars in to attractive custom convertibles and or adding a s moon roof or a stationary piece of glass to the roof to rectify the problem.