My next project? 1921 Packard Coupe

3 minute(s) of a 548 minute read

Hi Mal

Very early in this thread I explained that my car is actually 1923. It was simply my ignorance in all things Packard that caused this misunderstanding. Re the Taillamp West has told me via e-mail that Friatuck had identified that particular light as coming from a 1927-9 model possibly usually fitted to export cars going to Europe. If someone can explain how to alter the title I would be very happy to do so. Any connoisseur of fine wines will tell you that in France 1923 was a very good year for Reds.

It seems that my "original" Divided round tail lamp should be more than acceptable provided that I re-plate the rim nickel.

5-29-2011

Having done some more research neither the Wiring diagram in the 1922 Single Six Information book or the 1923 "Facts about" book make any mention of a Stop light. None the less in the interest of road safety I will be including a working stop lamp when I come to do the electrical work. RE keiser31's illustration. I feel that this more likely to be a re-touched photograph. Either way, I would think the chances of finding one of those tail lights to be fairly remote. I would be pleased to hear from anyone with one surplus to their requirements. Perhaps West's contacts at the Packard Museum would know of one.

5-31-2011

As I progressively work my way through the engine I have now reached the distributor. Can any of the good people out there with far more knowledge and experience than me suggest a possible source for a replacement distributor cap and rotor.

Thank you

6-1-2011

Hi Friartuck

Many thanks for the up-date & info. To the best of my knowledge my car is 1st Series (Mid 1923) Chassis Number *U28317* Perhaps someone can give me a precise date.

The lamp I have is plainly not original but until something better turns up I currently have it apart. The rim is at the platers having the chrome stripped off and new nickel plating. The body has been stripped and is currently in primer. I have done away with the multi choice mounting bracket and will have two bolt attachment to the original fitting. The two glasses (main [red] & number plate [clear]) have been washed and carefully wrapped in tissue.

6-2-2011

One quick thought regarding the tail light glass. This is one piece and rather than a stencil for the word STOP, this is actually cast into the glass so the entire window is lit when the globe is illuminated rather that just the STOP. Most of the other lamps that I have looked at rely on the stencil to create the word and in doing so mask out the rest of the glass.