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My lateat purchase today is a 1937 Packard 120 sedan. The numbers on the regrestration match the numbers on the car but the Packard data plate is missing. Is there a source for new ones with the correct data for the car?
Will put the car in the registry asap.
Thanks
John Miller

Quote:John,

I know repro plates are available, just don't know who from. I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise. Although there is one on eBay right now.

Looking forward to seeing your new acquisition in the Packard Owners Registry.

Another question, for 1937 on a 120 where on the frame would I find the serial #?
Engine #is correct for the registration but there must be preminate stamping on the frame.
John

John.
The more knowledgeable here may correct me but I don't think 120's had a serial number on the frame.

To the best of my knowledge, Packards did not have the vehicle number stamped on the frame or anywhere else other than the vehicle number plate. Despite what the seller of the repro plate says, Packard vehicle number plates were attached with 4 small screws. Years ago many states licensed vehicles by the engine number which accounts for your registration.


The only way to register your car is to make up a conforming vehicle number. My first car was a 37 120 4 door touring sedan just like yours. I bouight it back many years after I sold it after thje owner lit it sit outside and rust for years. I used the motor and scrapped the rest.
Vehicle # was 1092-18622, still remember it after 40 years.
You're welcome to use it, I'll be happy that my car will live again in spirit.

Fred, Thank You I am going to the California DMV And Highway Patrol today for the forma to get started.
Will be ordering parts soon.
Thanks
John

My car was just registered in Calif using the engine serial number as it originally was. I used an outside vehicle inspector as I already knew the DMV office and CHP office was going to scratch their head on the missing VN plate, and that would send up red flags that would have had me in stuck red tape for weeks.

As long as you have prior paper showing registration using a number on the car that is still present, you should be just fine.

Packards International sells them for $45. www.packardsinternational.com
My 1940 has always been registered by engine number, beginning in California, though that engine long ago expired.

The VIN was stamped on the plate, so I have that, too.

When I removed the plate (mine was riveted), I forgot to note which direction it reads from. It's square, so it fits any direction. From the front of the car or from the side (which seems to make the most sense for ease of reading)? But I don't want to rivet my new plate on the cowl until I know which direction is correct (and until the Duchess is painted, which is happening soon).

Thank you all for the quick responses and information.
John

They were attached with slotted sheet metal screws. This was so the selling dealer could remove them to stamp the delivery date and dealer name. 1941 and up thru the 23rd series reads from the side, I'd suspect 1940 to be the same.