My next project? 1921 Packard Coupe

4 minute(s) of a 548 minute read

I am just a little disappointed that no one was sufficiently interested in the Rally Plaques to comment. There are some interesting ones among them. How many of you have seen the "Driver's Parade" at Le Mans 24 Hour or better still actually driven your car in the "Parade"? 

You don't get any of them in "Dime stores" you have to be a participant.

Enough of all that, it has been too cold in my extremely well ventilated work-shop the past two or three days. I have spent the time on my computer writing about 3,000 words but more of that later.

7-31-2011

Hi ocf

As I said I will just keep plodding along. This afternoon I have been straightening out the battery box support irons. I am convinced that the forklift driver down at the docks just did not give a damn, but that was a long long time ago. With some gentle heat and a heavy hammer they have now straightened out nicely and after all who is going to climb under the car to check them out? At least I will know that they are correct.

8-1-2011

Hello

As promised I am back at work on the Packard (at last) The rug rail/body brace is back from being nickel plated and trial fitted. The Hood (bonnet for Aussies) has been temporarily assembled and trial fitted and lots of other small things happening. I am going to see Tony Mc Connell (Trimmer) this afternoon to talk about Top material but more of that later.

8-5-2011

Out of the Arc

A long time ago, probably before many of you were borne I used to have woven exclusively for me and sell the traditional 1920s Salt & Pepper top material. I have just one roll that I have had squirrelled away. It still has to be laninated The finished product is a three ply fabric with a heat sealed centre membrane of Butyl-rubber. I think that it could make the perfect "Top" for the Packard. 

Bernie J.

Sorry about the duplicated photographs I have tried to delete one without success.

Hi Chris

I am not familiar with the Stayfast cloth you mention. The cloth that I used to have made is extremely flexible the butyl layer is no more that two or three thousandths of an inch. Having said that it is 100% waterproof. The "top" on our Lagonda Rapier is now 32 years old, it was fitted in 1979, and still looks as good as the day it was fitted. It folds up into an flat "envelope" 10 inches X 30 inches for storage in the tool locker in the rear of the body in front of the petrol tank.

The Rapier has a slab tank much the same as a "T" type MG.

Re: the colour scheme for the Packard. the dark brown and biscuit has firmed up as favourite. The interior/seats etc will be biscuit hide with dark brown lino on the front floor and matching chocolate brown carpet in the rear etc.The same brown linoleum also goes onto the running boards.

Attached is a scan of the Linoleum. Once I have samples of hide, carpet and paint colours I will put together a "colour board" for you.