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Hello all,
I have been searching around for ideas for how to update my 37 Packard. I bought it about ten years ago with intention of keeping it original but I find that my interests have changed so I am now looking to turn it into a mild street rod. From what I have seen of this site so far it looks to be a great place to start. I look forward to hearing from anybody who might have a suggestion. I have attached a photo of my car, so fire away.
Thanks, Jim
Welcome to the forum. What part of Pa is that in? (I'm from Pittsburgh originally)
On your car...........well for starters you are going to need a BIG engine. You could even stay with the stocker and dress it up a little, as these odd engines are now gaining popularity. Whatever you do, no small block Chevy, unless you shove two of them in there. :D
It all depends on what YOU want out of the car, and how you are going to use it. If you want all the comforts of a modern car, like air, cruise, etc, go with some big block engine like Olds, Pontiac, BBC, Caddy, etc. (Caddy would be nice. Plenty of torque to move that thing, and very smooth and dependable.) Also pretty cheap to build and obtain.
Don
Welcome to the club. On you car I would leave it stock looking as it's a great looking car, but I would upgrade the suspension, with a 9" ford rear or maybe a 12" chevy, and for sure you need a big block with all that engine space. Nice 15 or 16" wheels(no bigger) and you'll have yourself a grat looking rod. A nice red or dark blue paint would really set it off.
Welcome to CHR
Wheels and maybe get it a little lower
i like it just the way it is. put a ford 9 inch in the back rework the rear and front end put big disc brakes on it and one 598 bbc pump gas hi Tq engine make it a sleeper and have some fun with the kids
Hmmmmm. Man, would I love to get one of those in the shop!!!!! Can't tell a lot from the pic, but I know it would have to be chopped and dropped, suicide doors with shaved handles, a 9" rear and IFS front with 4 wheel disc brakes, 17" X 9.5" rears and 16" X 8.5" fronts. Some frenched in Tri-Bar Blue Dot headlights. For power, got to be a V-10 Viper engine with a 6 speed to fill up some of that underhood room........ For a guy like me, that car would represent a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!!!
Lower to the ground, Ford 9 inch rear and a big block Ford crate engine just to be different :D . As for paint I'd go with a dark blue and maybe some ghost flames , and the wheels try Torque Thrust II's, 14's up front 15's in back and that would be one sweet ride. :toocool:
Rocky
Thanks for all of the input! Sorry for the delay in responding.
My car is not a big Packard, It is the smallest model that they made. 1937 was the first year for this model. it currently has the stock 100 hp inline six under the hood and rides on a 115" wheelbase. I am looking into possibly staying with an inline 6, maybe the 4.2 liter from the trailblazer/envoy. I have found some swap info on the inliners international forum. But I am also looking into other options.
Thanks, Jim