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

Just refinished my '41 and hanging the newly replated and polished trim back on it...finally, the fun part!

3 Questions:

1. Is the paint between the chrome slats on side grills supposed to be black or body color? Not a huge deal in my case as I have gone with Packard Blue for the exterior paint, which is so close to black I'm not sure you could tell on the grill anyway. But, for the sake of accuracy I thought to ask before painting it.

2. The spaces between the chrome stripes on the hood latch handles on my car were painted red (matching the packard hexagon on the hub caps) even though the car was black. I have seen in the original sales brochure that this area (again, in between the chrome stripes) seems to be body color as well. What is the consensus here? Also, if the space between the chrome stripes here is indeed meant to be body color, does the circle with the "110" in it at the front of this piece also get painted body color or would this part be red?

3. The chrome rear bumper has "Packard" stamped in script font. What color is this text supposed to be?

Thank you!!

1). Body color
2). Black
3). Black

A tip for the catwalk grilles:

If you find striping tape in a good color match,it's an easy way to do the recesses in body color.

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Yes, or alternatively I've seen guys paint long strips of tape in their body color and then cut to length and apply on the recesses.

Grills Body color.....Hood latch assy. Body color....Bumper script black...

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I'd like to see the proof on that, please. I've seen some restorations done that way, but always assumed it was incorrect and an owner's incorrect decision.

I've wondered about this too, as my car was black but isn't now.
I looked at a factory photo of a light colored Junior coupe (B&W). The hood louver insert is black (dark) to make it look like a through vent.

No definitive comment on the bulls-eye circles on a senior hood. I'd assume black also

This is what the forum is all about...dissenting opinions and the burden of proof!

When you guys say "black" for the hood hinge recessed areas, I'm assuming it's a matt/flat black? Even for the "110" in the circle? Shouldn't that have a little gloss to it?

How about the bumper? Glossy black or flat?

gloss on the bumper
not sure on gloss vs satin on the louvers (not matte)
Can't help on the Jr emblem area

Consider the general intent. The stylist is trying to make the solid louvers look pierced, and trying to make the one piece catwalk look like multiple bright accents.

Makes sense! Thanks!