Guest JT Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 Here's a new Packard Plant video. Not great video quality but still interesting.Gives you a good idea of the size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 Yep, Very Depressing. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigKev Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 I was actually suprised with how much un-broken glass was still left in the place. The music with that clip is appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Yea, that's what's called "keeping it real" here in the D.here is an example of CCCA-Packard folk raphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjNym0nmqOc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 lol MrP <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Here are some images http://detroityes.com/webisodes/2002/packard/021025-01PackardRubble.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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Block Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy_G Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooter9 Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 I wonder if there are any old Packard relics or anythingleft on the property? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 What about the V12 pistons I read about in the basement <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clipper47 Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 You don't play in Detroit. It is a place where the meek are killed and eaten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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. </div></div>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="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clipper47 Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You don't play in Detroit. It is a place where the meek are killed and eaten. </div></div>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 <span style="font-weight: bold">at night</span> and walking along Grand River and Cass Aves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cnbed Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 There probably wasn't a tougher area in Detroit than the two places you mentioned. Glad you survived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy_G Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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. </div></div>That sounds great , how would I get a subscription of this wonderful magazine? Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy Berger Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 The prize would be this I'm surprised no one has chiseled out the lental with the Packard name on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cnbed Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "Mill and Factory" and "Finish" magazines both featured articles on each plant in early-1955. </div></div> 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37Packard120 Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I was there a few weeks ago and heading back there in 10 days...I was there both during the day and at dusk. As soon as darkness falls on the Plant, you really don't want to be around it. First off, I couldn't find a thing there that had any stuff of interest. i.e. anything with Packard on it. Granted, I wasn't able to check every room out with the security personnel there. I would also like to get a map or at least an outline as to what went on where in the plant back when it was in operation, I am looking forward to that Cormorant Magazine. I am assuming that where the security personnel are located is where the old offices are. They ran us off when we were checking out an adjacent building. I was there with my GF and a buddy, but next time I will have more people with me. Its not a place to be alone or caught off guard. Didn't mean to ramble on, but if there is any specific pictures anyone would like, let me know and I will do what I can to get it. Also, regarding the lental, I would say that it would be very difficult to remove it without getting caught, or stabbed, robbed or something like that. Its located on a fairly busy road during the day, and at night, well, there are some people that hang around there that I would like not to meet.Also, if there is someone in Detroit that would like to come along, zap me a note and we can meet up. I am planning on trailering my 120 to Detroit for the Dream Cruze in August this year. I am going to take some pictures of it in front of the plant, as well as at the proving grounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy_G Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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. </div></div>Thank you Randy, I'll see what it takes to join up right I click "enter" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 here's a picture of the V-8 plant, at work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 Since the tooling and machinery for the V8 was so new where did it go after Packard closed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cnbed Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 The Utica factory that Packard spent $27 million to convert for production of its engines, transmission and rear axles was used by Curtiss-Wright?s new Utica Bend organization for defense work. The V-8 cylinder head manufacturing machinery was transported to South Bend, where it was stored. S-P spent $200,000 to move the rest of the equipment to East Grand Boulevard. In 1957 the engine machinery was sold for $200,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Aaahh, my favorite Packard subject revisited. This should be the year, later in the early Fall, when I get to go to the mecca of greater Detroit. The last word I had, when I created a post about a year ago, was that guards would not allow admittance to the plant. IF they would, I am sure I could spend quite a bit of time there, even though it is not beautiful anymore. It would be nice to have a map of the significant offices and plant locations. I would also like to visit the Packard Motel and the cemetary. It's too bad these neighborhoods are so dangerous. The barren industrial wasteland of inner Detroit, in itself, would be a starnge sight to a midwesterner as myself. As the day draws near I will take some of you up on assistance, as I hope to take in as many purely Detroit and automotive sights as possible. It still burns me that the Fisher home is a Hare Krishna shrine, not open to the public <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 I'm Sorry, but I've never understood how gutted old buildings can hold such a facination, for some people. Sure the history of the Packard company (and History in general) are very interesting, but to look at those buildings makes Me sad and depressed. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Now, if someone started producing cars in those buildings again, that I would want to see. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 3jakes--$20 cash will get you in the plant, it's that way every day. This is the benefit program for the $7.25/hr security guards. It's a two-gun neighborhood, about as bad as you could design for Detroit, and that says a lot. The Fisher mansion is open for tours, the krishnas are good tour guides and soft pedal their beliefs to the point of just mentioning that they are are all followers, then they point to a stack of phamphlets on a table and say "if you want to know more about the Krishna faith, feel free to take one of these"(far less insulting than some of my bible-thumping co-workers). It's a cool tour. Go to the Edsel and Elinor Ford home, Meadowbrook hall, the Henry Ford (museum), the Walter P. Chrysler museum.Contact me before hand, I might be able to get you into a couple of private collecctions.email me here, or 56packman@twmi.rr.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 mrpushbutton-You must know I had you in mind when I said I would look up assistance once the dates got closer. I kind of figured, but couldn't actually tell, that $20 'tip' would get me in. Sure hope inflation does not hit too hard by this fall. Also good to hear about the Fisher Mansion tour. I tried and tried to figure that information out by visiting the website and I just couldn't tell, so I gave up and figured it was not open to the public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Here are some links for some more pixhttp://www.uer.ca/forum_showthread.asp?fid=15&threadid=35405http://imageevent.com/bowtie/thepackardfactoryhttp://www.angelfire.com/de2/detroitpix/Packard1.htmlhttp://www.detroitfunk.com/2005/02/packard_plant_sunset.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy_G Posted January 20, 2007 Share Posted January 20, 2007 How far is the proving grounds from East Grand?? time and miles distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Randy-about 20 miles, about 45 minutes from EGB plant to the Packard Proving grounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37Packard120 Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Regarding the Proving Grounds...there is no one there on a regular basis...my GF and I went about a month ago, and everything is locked up...its cool to look in the windows and take a few photographs. We did not venture out to where the timing stand was, for fear of getting in trouble. There is a decent Restaurant right next door to the Proving Grounds called the Packard Bar and Grill. Has a 38' out front with some cool ad's and art on the walls inside. I am flying into Detroit tomorrow but spending most of the weekend on the Western side of the state. If we can get back to Detroit a little early on Sunday, we will do "a visit" to the plant on our way to the Airport. My next trip back to Detroit will be in 2 weeks, after that trip, I should have a ton of photos of the inside of the plant.Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpushbutton Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 NEWS FLASH! http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070202/METRO/702020379this is only going to get interesting from here, stay tuned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy_G Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 I guess the real question is will there be anything there come June. Thanks for posting that story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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