QuestionHello Dick,
I have two 1940 Packards, a 110 coupe (old restoration)and a 120 henney hearse (to be restored). I am in need of many of the non catalog parts, like trim,suspension, body and interior. Ebay has been helpful but It is more miss than hit. I cannot afford to join every club that associates with all of the classic cars I own or will ever own. Is there a Packard yard or collectors who speak 1940 Packard parts?
Thanks Russ.
AnswerI know the frustration of trying to keep current with all the clubs - after years of letting the publications stack up unread, I've finally dropped out of both Packard clubs myself. The last I knew (which was about 10 years ago), you could still put a parts wanted ad in the Cormorant News Bulletin, even if you were not a member. The editor is Craig Handley, and you can reach him at "cnbeditor@sbcglobal.net" There is also a web site for PAC - "www.packardclub.org" They have a "reader forum" in which there are individual postings - and I don't think you need to be a member to participate. You can also post an ad on the site - just explore the web page.
As for a Packard junk yard - (other than my own barn!), I don't really know of one that specializes in early 40s stuff, especially things for the hearse. I assume you are aware of the Professional Car Society - I have considered joining that group since I have a 47 Limo, and also I have a stock of NOS parts for early 40s ambulances which I got out of the Naval warehouse on Angel's Island (San Francisco area) after all the military ambulances were retired from duty (the stuff was sold at a surplus auction). I might possibly have some of what you need, but not much. I do have an NOS radiator and some brake stuff - but I would not know how to identify what fits what without a parts book and perhaps some measurements.
I'd guess you are already aware of the usual vendors who sell Packard parts - Kanter Brothers, Max Merritt, Joel Ray, Sandy Chirco - but if not, e-mail me directly at dickb@sdccu.net and I'll give you contact information.
Steve Williams in NAPA CA also had quite a good stock of cars and parts, but I think it was mostly later stuff.
The guy on eBay who calls himself "PACK120FAN" seems to be very active in early 40s stuff. I think that may be Don Figone, but that's only a guess.
You may be aware of the annual PI meet in Orange County, CA - It is on the first weekend of February, 2007 The swap meet is on Sunday, the 5th. This is the major chance to find parts on the west coast for Packards - although the prices tend to be outrageous, especially for rare parts. The bargains all disappear by about 8 AM.
Most of what I have needed for my various Packards and other old cars I have found on eBay, but only by spending a lot of time checking and searching - things are so often mis-identified that I e-mail the seller to get the actual part numbers, then check them in the book.
Good luck - these are rare cars, and more trouble than a flathead Ford to keep - but well worth it, in my opinion!
Dick
