Packard Plant

[JT]

Here's a new Packard Plant video. Not great video quality but still interesting.
Gives you a good idea of the size.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cgDBVXJTpc

[imported_Speedster]

Yep, Very Depressing. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[BigKev]

I was actually suprised with how much un-broken glass was still left in the place. The music with that clip is appropriate.

[mrpushbutton]

Yea, that's what's called "keeping it real" here in the D.

here is an example of CCCA-Packard folk rap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjNym0nmqOc

[JT]

lol MrP <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Twitch]

Here are some images http://detroityes.com/webisodes/2002...kardRubble.htm http://www.white-history.com/hwrdet2b.htm The video looks to be from the same young guys who go to old Detroit buildings and took pictures. Can't find the site this second but it was mentioned before here.

[packards42]

I have agree it depressing seeing and empety building, now if someone could invision a nice remodel with a Packard dealership, that sound more interesting.

[Randy_G]

I have a lot of photos on my site of the plant as well, with any luck at all I will finally get my chance to see the old place in person this spring and I will make every attempt to get as many photos of it as I can to put on my site. Is there any one here that has some knowlege to what was built in each section and or building's I want to create a rough map of what was built where. Please e-mail me if you are out there and want to help.

[cooter9]

I wonder if there are any old Packard relics or anythingleft on the property?

[mrpushbutton]

There is/was nothing left after Packard vacated the premises--not so much as a few trim clips. The only goods that still bore the Packard name were metal signs in the stairways warning the employees to "keep this stairway clear at all times". All of those are all gone now, I know of several in posh garages.

[JT]

What about the V12 pistons I read about in the basement <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Clipper47]

I'll bet a metal detector would locate a few items buried in the earth about the place but I suspect that it is a very dangerous neighbourhood area to play in.

[imported_Packards1]

I don't have a posh garage but I do have one of the keep this stairway clear at all times signs in my basement stairway. It is fitting and has Packard Motor Car Company on the sign.

[imported_Packards1]

You don't play in Detroit. It is a place where the meek are killed and eaten.

[imported_Speedster]

Quote:

I don't have a posh garage but I do have one of the keep this stairway clear at all times signs in my basement stairway. It is fitting and has Packard Motor Car Company on the sign.

But, with one of 'Those Signs', It 'Is' a 'Posh Basement'. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Clipper47]

Quote:

You don't play in Detroit. It is a place where the meek are killed and eaten.

I know. I grew up in Windsor and worked along the Detroit River as a game warden for several years (occasionally on the US side with a Mich. DNR Officer) and had my share of meeting some pretty tough characters. I must have had a guardian angel watching over me when I ventured into the Willis Showbar or Anderson's Gardens at Willis and Third etc. in the early 70's. I recall as a small boy going to the G.A.R. building with my grandfather at night and walking along Grand River and Cass Aves.

[cnbed]

In about a year or so, "The Packard Cormorant" magazine will publish an article detailing the various buildings at 1580 E. Grand Blvd., and what they were used for. The use changed over the years, with the trucks being made in the buildings south of the Boulevard. During the mid-1930s, the Juniors were made there, and after 1939 all of the bodies were made there. After 1945, the bodies came from Briggs' Conner Avenue plant. By 1955, the Board of Directors had decided to sell the buildings on the south side of E. Grand.

[bkazmer]

at risk of "highjacking", why is there a Budd (the railroad car folks), not Briggs, tag in the door of my '41? The same is in a parts car door I visited, so I don't think any custom work is referenced.

[imported_Packards1]

There probably wasn't a tougher area in Detroit than the two places you mentioned. Glad you survived.

[Randy_G]

Quote:

In about a year or so, "The Packard Cormorant" magazine will publish an article detailing the various buildings at 1580 E. Grand Blvd., and what they were used for. The use changed over the years, with the trucks being made in the buildings south of the Boulevard. During the mid-1930s, the Juniors were made there, and after 1939 all of the bodies were made there. After 1945, the bodies came from Briggs' Conner Avenue plant. By 1955, the Board of Directors had decided to sell the buildings on the south side of E. Grand.

That sounds great , how would I get a subscription of this wonderful magazine? Thanks for your help.

[Randy Berger]

Randy, I think your question is sincere, so I'll answer it by saying if you join PAC, the Cormorant Magazine is included in your dues.

[Twitch]

The prize would be this I'm surprised no one has chiseled out the lental with the Packard name on it!

[JT]

I don't believe I've ever seen any photos of the V8 engine plant at Utica. Have any been published or is their a source for them?

[cnbed]

The December 1954 issue of "Packard News" had an article on the Utica plant, as well as the Conner Avenue plant. The Winter 2006-07 issue of "The Packard Cormorant" (which is now at the printer) will have an overhead view of both locations.

"Mill and Factory" and "Finish" magazines both featured articles on each plant in early-1955.

[JT]

Quote:

"Mill and Factory" and "Finish" magazines both featured articles on each plant in early-1955.

Thanks. I would like to find a copy of the 1955 Mill & Factory to go along with the issue I have from Feb 1936 that features the retooling of Packard for the 120. It goes into the different tooling, poduction times, plant layout, etc. It's a very good article.