Customs Flippin' the lid on my Packard

I posted a couple photos in the Kustoms thread and some requested a build thread, so here it is. UNFORTUNALY I'm working by myself so when I get in the groove I tend to forget pictures. The first pic is when I bought it. Next pic I did a full mechanical update(electrical, 12 volt, fixed the rust, frenched 50 Buick tailights and dropped it. Shot some quick paint and rolled it for a few weeks).

 

Got bored with real fast and had to replace the windshield, so why not chop it and while I'm at it I'll make it a 2 door. Finding 2 door doors is impossable so I had to cut from back and add to front. First step was to brace and start cutting. I removed the B pillars and relocated them to factory specs for a 2 door(from Packard site). Then cut the rear doors to fit. all pretty straight forward stuff. Took 4" out of front and 6" out of back. Extend front doors 8"

 

Slanted the B pillers for the sleek look. Did'nt like the rear window so I scored a 49/51 Dodge or Plymouth rear window and all the stainless for free. Had to remove a good portion of the roof to "dechrown" it to make the transition. Rolled a new piece to go in and mocked up the rear frame.

 

Tacked the frame all in and extended back to the deck panel. I mocked up the sail panel in hevy paper and cut th metal for them. Right now I'm in the process of wheeling the sailpanels so what you see in the pics is just the template. Thats all for now!

 

wow

 

Great concept ! Those Packards need the Kustom treatment. You're gonna have a spectacular car.

 

very nice ride, good job on the chop

 

Looks cool man! Nice work! What a huge difference changing that roof makes to the overall look of the whole car. Hope you post more progress pics as you go.

It's funny how that pink paper is the same color as cheap bondo. Even in paper though, the shape is really nice and the roof has a real nice flow down to the trunk now -- and it'll look even better in steel.

 

Hey,

A great kustom in the making, for sure!
Smart use of the Mopar sidelight frames, saved you a bunch of fab time
better spent on other parts of the build. What wheel are you using to
shape the sails?


Swankey devils C.C.
"Meanwhile, back aboard The Tainted Pork"

 

Dumpy to stylish, and it's so easy! I know, a lot of work for your hands and eyes, but it's coming along really well.

 

I like it.

 

oh HELL ya!!!! Gonna look sweet

 

Just a cheap ol' Harbor Freight wheel. It works for what little experience I have

 

btt

 

This car is gonna be AWESOME. Finish it right and it'll be a killer

 

It's gonna be different fer sure, and stylish.

 

Terrific ideas and execution. The car has got some great lines now!

 

You are a brave man. One question. Does heating your tools on the grill make them work better?????

 

There was a 2 door for sale around here a few months back for under a grand. That got my wheels turning in the same direction as your build. Seeing your car makes me wish I could have jumped on that project. Nice job.

 

It's an old "blacksmiths trick"

 

Wow! And you make it look so easy. Nice work.

Pat

 

i was nervous at first when you started to chop it....but im really impressed with the cleanliness of the new roof-line. i'm stoked to see it finished.

-ncg

 

You've got a good eye for proportions. Nice craftsmanship, as well.

 

The value on those Packards just went through the roof ! : )

 

i love the old Packards. almost bought one, myself(pictured). If i had the talent, and skills you have,i probably would have bought her.
can't wait to see what's next!

 

That's a /56 right ?

 

Great job and good proportions.

 

good call on using that dodge roof that to me made the chop.car is looking great.nice job

 

looks like a lot of work, but from the looks of the pics i'd say that it's gonna be worth it all.
keep up the great work and keep us posted.
dan

 

looks good