Originality vs Modification — an exchange

[Desoto61]

Good, now that we're not clogging up productive people we can feel free to waste electrons.

I don't drive on the freeway unless it is the only option, the shortest route between Ventura and Santa Barbara requires about five miles of freeway driving. Fortunately, that section is under construction and posted speed limit is 55 currently and 65 otherwise. My ambulance did 55 with every ounce of throttle...lol...not a speed to try and maintain...45 was far more mechanically prudent. I know several folks who drive theirs on the freeway at 45 with the orange "tractor" triange to events, some also use a flashing yellow beacon denoting a hazard....none have been driven off the road to the best of my knowledge.
Historic restorations are the way to go...period.

If I restored my PW back to original condition it would be a very pretty lawn ornament. Usless to do much more than look pretty, impress people, and hold up traffic. It would barely be capable of doing the speeds necessary to go to the home center 5 miles from my house, let alone further, especially with a bed full of towing equipment. It becomes a toy, which is a bigger crime in my opinion then what I'm doing to it.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who would look at the truck in pictures or in person at some free car show and tell me how great it is to see and how beautiful a truck it is, but most wouldn't want to buy it from me for what they swear it is worth.

So my way I get a truck that should hopefully keep as much of the original character as possible, while bringing it's usability to a state that is at least on the low end of acceptable for todays roads, which means it will continue to do exactly what it was designed to do over 60 years ago, and I like that.

And don't kid yourselves, these were amazing vehicles for their day, but compared to todays vehicles they are a rock tied to a stick vs a quality hammer.

[DavidGB]

Its pretty much all good, and market forces work.

Unless something is so utterly rare that it should be put in a museum to be preserved for posterity, I feel the owner of any vehicle should have the right to enjoy it in the manner that works best for them. Since truly rare items tend to get very expensive I figure if I can buy something then it hasn't reached that category of the truly rarified.

Since at all times in my life so far, I have owned at least one "normal" vehicle to fill the bill of "daily driver", etc I am under no pressure to make anything meet current driving conditions. (Although it is fun to do that.) Therefore, my approach is this, if, when I buy a vehicle, it is fully functional and roadable I tend to leave it alone and enjoy it as it is. That is why I bought such a vehicle. On the other hand, if I buy a vehicle that is seriously not running etc., then it usually is because I want to try my hand at modifying it in some way. I, for one, can't afford to carve up a perfectly good vehicle when there are plenty of non running, or wrecked, or parts ones for a fraction of the cost. Simple economics at work here.

One other thing. I am happy to listen to friendly, reasoned, arguments on this or any subject, in fact such arguments can be quite enjoyable, but I have no patience or respect for anyone who thinks they can just tell me how it is.

David

[tbone1004]

To the OP
http://columbiaclassiccars.com/
If you're having issues selling the Packard, call these guys. They are packard nuts, have a boat load of them and are buying, selling, and restoring them all day. Granted they're in Maine, but the owner Mike Fiori is spectacular with his massive waxed mustache and old school style, but more importantly, he is a die hard Packard guy and would be able ot help you sell yours as it sits.

I'm going restomod route, the M37 I have has already been somewhat modified from original by the VFD that had it forever before I bought it, but that's mainly because like the guys in VA, I want a DD that is usable and safe to drive on modern roads and unfortunately a truck that has a 45-50mph top speed and slows to 30mph on just about all hills is not safe on the roads these days for any normal driving conditions. I think keeping some sense of originality in the vehicle is important which is why from the exterior it will appear mostly stock, but there is no substitute for a modern drivetrain if the original drivetrain is insufficient for the vehicle. If the M37 weighed half or ever 2/3's what it does then the flathead would be more than adequate and I would leave it in there, as it stands I'm trying to find a '49 Chrysler New Yorker with the I-8, but the difference is that car actually has a 0-60 time, and will cruise at 65-70mph safely without blowing itself up. Unfortunately our trucks can't say that and because of that, they really aren't safe to be driving on normal roads especially with posted minimum speed limits

[DavidGB]

Re: Chrysler Straight 8s

tbone1004,
You can widen your search considerably since Chrysler made that engine for many years. In the '40s most of them will be backed up by a fluid drive tranny.
Pre-fluid drive engines will have 3 speeds and possibly overdrives. These engines are very long. The straight 8s were also produced for various industrial applications (pumps etc.) Straight 8s are not a common item and some parts are either very difficult to find or very expensive or both. If you can fit one into an M37 I imagine you would have the only one.
David

[Chewie]

I've said it before; flatheads have a place in this world. Just not in my garage.

I'm a big fan of OD transmissions, too.

These trucks can't be made safe enough for highway travel though, even with V8's and disc brakes. Remember the carryall that was rear ended by the pickup?

Here in the Midwest I am surrounded by county blacktops and gravel roads, where traffic is slower and much of it AG based. Perfect for these trucks..

[divingrocks]

Dirka Dirka Dodgehammmed Jihad!

OK,
Here is another example of resto-mod...fortunately they chose a post war platform

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Power-...US_Cars_Trucks