Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hi all.

I am going to look at a 1952 4dr 200 ultramatic. Solid diriver as
advertized. Any tips on key issues to look for? Or issues that become perticular money pits if they need repair?

Thanks

Rust would be the obvious one. Packards were no different than others in that respect so prone in all the usual places -- rockers and trunk floor and particularly the trunk in the channel area just below lid opening generally go first. The front floorboard under and around the pedals and straight below dash are another.

No idea how familiar you are with Packard Ultras so that would be the other thing that costs if it needs a lot of work. If you are not familiar with them, then we can assist in what to listen or feel for. Generally, if maintained Ultras of that generation are fairly robust so if it's a driver chances are it's decent.

Chrome-very expensive to get stuff rechromed. Howard's point on the transmission-there is a lot of conversation on this web site regarding ultramatics-I think there is one on this web site for sale??

Body Work/Paint, Interior, and Chrome are the three most expensive items. More so than engine and transmission rebuilding. So buy the best car you can afford, and it will save you money in the long run.

G'day carfixated,
See you've been a member for a while, but first post so to PackardInfo.

If, after looking at the 52 4dr 200 ultramatic, you purchase it I invite you to include it in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Thanks all.

Sounds like shopping for pretty much every other old car. Good to know.

Yeah, I have been a long-time dreamer of owning a post-war Packard, but never had one. I came very close more than once... a disassembled 49.... a driver 56 executive... I want a relatively budget driver to get my feet wet in Packarddom.

I even joined the local club but have yet to join them for any events (daughters of 9 & 2 keep us busy). And I chatted with the two big Packard vendors at Hershey last year. I like Packard folks.

I do not think my wife gets my "Packard thing". LOL

I'll post what I see after I check it out this weekend.


BIGKEV - Ooooo - I read all your project posts about a year ago. I remember your name from them. You contributed to my Packard passion! >grin<


Mike

I will second all of BigKev's cautions: body/paint, interior, and chrome are your biggest expenses. But my experience is that several small things can quickly add up to more than the car is worth as well, and parts aren't cheap. Doing the brakes, having the radiator rodded out, having the carburetor rebuilt, redoing the gas tank, replacing the fuel sender, replacing the temp sender, a new battery, a radio rebuild, a tranny service, etc can together mean $1000's of dollars, and that assumes a working, driving car.

Well I looked it over. I guess it is a $3,500 Packard: Inner rockers are pretty crispy & outer body has some puddy-n-paint ala Earl Schieb in it. Chrome was pretty pitted. Drove decent and the tranny was smooth. Original 60 year old interior.

Good candidate for a 'rat rod' or drive-till-it-drops, but too much money for that. If it was $2000 or so I would do it for giggles.

My quest or a solid original driver continues.

thanks!
Mike

What model of '52 is it? If it's a Clipper (aka 200) sedan, then I would say $1500 max based on that condition. If a 400 (Patrician) perhaps $2000-$2500.

Rust repair, paint, and chrome you are looking at least 5-7k if you do a lot of the prep work yourself.

I was reading though 1951-54 Packards in Hemmings and came on these 3 for your consideration.

This Mayfair sounds like it is all there. It isn't cheap, though ... $7,500 firm:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/packard/250/1580978.html

This is a very nice looking car for under $10,000 and would not require restoration:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/packard/clipper/1355713.html

Here is a 1952 in what I assume is miserable shape, but it is cheap ($800 OBO):

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/packard/200/1585125.html