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

My apologies to all I offended or upset (My apologies, Ernie. You're the kindest guy on this forum.), especially the Carribean Dude, in defending the authenticity of not only my own, but any 1940 160 convertible sedan being judged fake because it has friction vent windows or door handles identical to a 120, etc. I hope everyone is straight on that issue now thanks to Steve (stevep516), his inquiring mind and his research, and the list above, especially in the face of some strong opinions and advice from those with reputations for being in the know. I am the first to acknowledge you admitted your mistake and had an Aha! moment. And I hope that we can put a check on assuming any seller of a car bearing a component that was not on it the day it left the factory is a charlatan.

I know everyone does not believes that people are basically honest, as I do. Andy Grove led a very successful life based on paranoia. Many believe the sheep ate the rose, but I am an optimist. I believe sunlight disinfects, not engenders more corruption.

When the usual suspects didn't have an Stromberg AAV-26 carburetor, I could have kicked myself for paying $1100 to a seller in AZ. Maybe he didn't know the actual value, either. I wish I'd had this forum to check then, but it was before BigKev started packardinfo.com. Not everyone shares the pollyanna nature that allows me to take apart things I can't put back together on my own, not to mention documenting my mistakes for all Packardom in restoring my car. My car wouldn't be restored if it weren't for this forum because I started out with only a pair of pliers and the ability to clean off parts without damaging them most of the time. I know I put up a lot of superfluous stuff that has helped a few see what they were getting into before they got into it. And we're all here to help other Packard owners get the right info, Howard especially, and avoid doing something stupid where they could hurt themselves in any way, including financially. Likewise we could be more aware of harming people at the other end of the transaction, which I saw here. At times, Craig's Listings might be another.

I understand that authentic is more valuable, Caribbean Dude, but fake-aloo does cost less - $150K less on the Darrins, half a mil less on the runabouts. That half a million difference might put just as big a smile on my face as knowing I had The original data plate.

But I didn't think the first 5 pages of this thread should have been glossed over like the last line of an Emily Litella monologue. Yes, it hit a little too close to home for me because I have an early 1940 car and because of my friend Dave Charvet, but I think it has broader application and serves as a caution.

Again I'm sorry. Sometimes when I'm angry and have a pen in my hand, I don't play fair.

Joe
No one else to blame except me for starting this thread, but I believe it all ended up being for the good. I admitted that I was wrong, learned something, and apologized immediately following the insight of new information (to me, and obviously to a few others). That apology was more than a "sort of."

The car looked hastily restored and put together, which was the other red flag that it might be a fake. That is why the original data plate is so important.

A big Thank You goes out to Steve for his diligent research and questions that ultimately increased the knowledge about these cars to more than just a few people.

Gents,
I would like to reinforce my comments back in the original post of Dec 2014 that this forum provides a great deal of information and reinforce the fact that the amount of expertise shared here is invaluable. I am so appreciative of the fact that I can ask any question and I get an immediate response.

I don't comment a lot but I do read just about every post.
I'm sure that I will asking many questions in the future as I have just started the restoration of my 1377. I just need to come up with a name that's as cool as the Duchess!!
Cheers ,
Steve P

PairOf40's