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

Just got a 1931 club sedan and want to get some info on the serial numbers is there a data base to see? Also in need of some bumpers,original carb,and a few other parts any info.This car has a solid roof with no insert is that normal? It came with landau bars.Is there a chance that this car was not a factory body?How would you tell?
Love the car can't wait to get it finished
Thanks........Kevin

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What's the vehicle number on the patent (cowl) plate? Also check under the front carpet on the passenger side for any body builder's plate. Could also be on the seat riser, and often the builder's name would be on the exterior between the front fender and the front door, or the sill plates.

A roof without a rubber insert is not to be expected and nearly unbelieveable.

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G'day Kevin,

aboard Packardinfo, a great Site.

Could you please add your '31 to the Owner Registry together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

Kevin,

Welcome to PInfo Website.

The engine compartment looks cared for. Post some other pictures after you do the "Owners Registry."

Model numbers, engine numbers, engine casting dates all tell pieces of a cars story. The range of engine numbers for a 1931 engine are posted on this website.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/article/view.article.php?c17/246

I know little of 1931s. On my 1941 the engine number is on the driver's side of the block in the middle. The engine cast date is on the lower back corner of the block on both sides.

There are lots of helpful Packard lovers on this website.
Oz has already greeted you from down under (that is the real "downunder" not the "down under his car"; though he is often there also.) I digress, it is 1AM in South Dakota. Need to go to bed and stop Packarding.

DanL

Kevin,

Here is a link to a 1931 Packard Owners Manual on this website:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/article/view.article.php?227

If this doesn't work, go to Packard Articles and select 1931.

DanL

Thanks for the reply,here are a couple pics on the registry,the plates are missing still trying to get some parts from the family,here is a pic of the roof let me know your thoughts.
Thanks.Kevin

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Thanks Dan
I put a couple on and will keep adding.Thanks for the info
Kevin

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Thanks Oz
It's very nice to be welcomed as these are new to me,looking forward to chatting with everyone added the car to the registry and will update it soon with mor pics
Thanks again .Kevin

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I looked around but no tags that I can find here is a pic of the roof
Thanks

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Unless your car was sold new as a chassis only which was custom-bodied and titled a year later (not likely), your thief-proof number (the embossed number on the cowl) correlates to 1930 production.

Too bad the VN or patent plate is missing, it usually provides most if not all the answers to a car's identity. If you believe the engine to be original to the car, the engine # can also establishe whether it's a 1930 or 1931. Ditto for the frame number (near the left side rear front spring shackle) and sometimes the steering gear number. There are also visual details that could help.

No chance you can recover the original vehicle number from paperwork or prior owners?

Here's a picture from the Making of Modern Michigan website which shows the body drop for the same body style in 1928; bodies are very similar to 1930. I'm willing to bet that if you examine yours closely enough you'll find the original roof had a soft insert. later altered.

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