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Several folks in our club are looking for cars in the 1951-56 range. I have tried to put together what I remember from the buying experience and the aftershocks....

If you have time to read the pdf and add your experience, it should become something of value to anyone looking for one of these cars.....

New version attached incorporating suggestions!

Attach file:

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Size: 24.31 KB; Hits: 77

I would suggest adding more on rust & places to look. There was a really good post some time ago about rust prone areas on V8 Packards -- also applicable to about all models in the years you are interested in.

Brian put together most of it and others contributed. I don't remember the subject heading to link to it other than someone was wanting info on a car located in NW -- Washington or Oregon area, I think. He was asking about what to look for & places known to rust.

Perhaps Brian can remember the post or maybe write another & post in the FAQ you could reference to.

Howard -

I've personally tabled work any new FAQs for awhile as there are some in the forums who repeatedly refer people offsite when the answers can be found here, at P'Info.

Yet, here's a list of rust-prone areas that I had previously cited, but with a few additional clarifications:

floor pan - front extension (toe board to kickpanel)
floor pan - body mount areas
floor pan - cross-body reinforcements (to inner rocker)
floor pan - remove rear seat bottom
floor pan, trunk - rear trough, esp. body mount area
front fenders - headlamp brows (and behind the bezels)
front fenders - ahead of wheel (under turn signal trim)
front fenders - under heavy die cast molding
front fenders - rear of wheel (just ahead of rocker panel)
front doors - lower, outer skin (separating at bottom)
rear doors - lower, outer skin (separating at bottom)
rear fenders - wheel openings (dog legs & fit of skirts)
rear fenders - outer wheelhouse (above top of wheel opening)
rear fenders - rear of wheel (under gravel shields)
rocker panels - inner & outer

Really, not much different than what you'll find with most vehicles of the period.

I only ask that any info used in the subject PDF that was derived from PackardInfo.com be credited as such.

Also, I suggest that John Lauter (aka - MrPushbutton) be noted, therein, as a source for repair of the 56th Series pushbutton transmission control.

BTW, the final point of the subject PDF is a bit confusing. Sticking in park is not exclusive to pushbutton control.

Sounds fine to me.

RE the final item: got that twice locally from 56 owners....one of whom has vivid memories of leaving his car overnight in a gang infested area. Although the car was untouched, he is still wary of the park position.

Buying Guide has been extensively updated and better organized. The guide you download above is current.

I know this is a chore, but please add your experience to this. Hopefully it will help anyone looking to get a car from this era....