You need to learn to weld. That thing needs chopped and sectioned. Don't know about your area, but around here Packards are cheap. Buy yourself a driver. That way you can tear down that car and do it right. Seeing how you'd be learning as you go, it's going to take a while.
In Michigan that would be advertised as "MINT" condition, seriously. You can buy anything to fix that for less money and time than it would take to go look at the other cars!
Fix what you have, it's going to be a good looking car and you can enjoy the fact that you did it. Maybe learn some metal craft skills to boot. Do you really want two more old heaps laying in your yard or driveway and the head aches that will cause?
Looks rusty to me too. You say your body man is in his early 90's? Might want to give him a call this afternoon and stopping wasting valuable days. Cool looking car.
Talk about drama. More rusty than the Titanic? You need to search some of the rebuild threads here for a reality check.
Thank all of you and keep the advice coming.It's why I came here to begin with and ask such a question.I figured you guys would know or had been there.You've given me different things to think about.Perspective and relativity are everything it seems. I guess it's not the RMS Titanic,but part of the reward in restoring I believe is finding parts and such for such a car; I got excited at finding one in such good shape and at a decent price.My friend tells me I should drop the Packard and go for a more common make and model,and that they don't make one money.He doesn't get it -- I'm not doing it to sell it or make money. I want to drive a car that's been brought back to life and unique to the champagne colored Camry's and Accords of the world...a head turner in other words. Thank you all for sharing your expertise and wisdom.
Around here that car would be considered very easy to fix. If I lived in California I would buy a better one for lunch money, one I didn't have to go over 50 miles to find. When I was looking for a Packard like that it seemed there were lots of them in California for less than half what I would pay for a rust bucket around here. Unfortunately California is 4000 miles away. In brief, you could man up and fix the one you have. But it would be easier to buy a better one. Don't bother going 1400 miles, you will drive past 100 better ones on the way.
Rusty: I have no trouble finding any running 1948 through 1950 "pregnant elephants" around SoCal,but they're all four door models.What appealed to me about that ad I saw was not just the two door model in great shape,but also the running donor car included.In my year or so in searching,that entire deal seems like a great buy at three grand.Another six or seven grand to get it up to snuff (paint,interior,etc) and I'd have my head turner.
Stay at work put your money into what you have. Very fixable. You said the bodyshop guy is in his 90s,hell see if he'll do the work and you be his gopher and learn something at the same time.
1400 miles probably puts it close to me. I have a 48 fastback and love it. Can't wait to finnish it. Give me a PM and if I can help you I will as one Packard lover to another.
In my opinion, and its just my opinion, you could go buy a welder and all the tools you'd need for the money you paid just to get the car. I know plenty of people who have taught themselves to weld on project cars, and they sometimes do better work then SOME not all, of the shops that dont give a damn about your car, its just another car to them, where as you would take the time to make it the way you feel comfortable with. and in the end you have the knowledge for future cars which will serve you alot better in the long run if you find another one you want to play with that has "rust" issues. Ive shipped a few cars and let me tell you its a pain in the ass!! Final words... get yourself a decent mig welder and accesories(ie. mask, gloves, ect..) some standard body working tools, and a little basic knowledge and get to work! Again you be way happier in the end in my opinoin!
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