True barn find!

[Packardsforever]

I went and looked at a 1949 Custom 8 conv. this morning that has been sitting in a barn since 1971. Really neat to be able to see the car after all these years and still complete and everything there

Car was complete but in need of total restoration but not a basket case. There was no rust through and only normal surface rust. The head read 356 but I couldn't find the engine serial number--I used a wire brush to remove the surface rust & crud from the block on upper driver's side but never could see anything.

The numbers on the data plate read 2259-9-3210.

I probably can't buy it because the owner wants around $12K and it would cost me a fortune to have it restored but it sure was fun getting to go look at it.

[Foggy norm]

It's been my understanding, from conversation's, that if the engine no# cant be seen, the motor has been replaced in the past. IF there's no motor no#, it's less confusing to sell a vehicle with an odd no#, so dealerships would leave the "boss" blank.

[Packard8]

As I recall, the S/N boss on the 356 is in the center of the block not on the rear as the later 288, 327 & 359. Sounds like a good find, and you might throw the owner an offer as the market seems pretty soft of late.

[JD in KC]

As I recall, the S/N boss on the 356 is in the center of the block not on the rear as the later 288, 327 & 359...

That's where it is on my 356's (just beyond the oil fill tube towards the rear of the car. See yellow underline).