1940 120 Convertible Instrument Panel Question

Is the instrument panel on a 1940 129 convertible painted body color or is it supposed to be wood grain? Thanks

Good question. I believe there are restored examples out there both ways, but I'm not sure which way is correct. I suggest also posting your question on the PackardInfo.com website.

Thanks for the reply. I'll try that site.

I can't answer specifically to your vehicle but wood graining is not particularly weather resistant (especially rain) compared to paint. As it's likely convertibles will at some point experience water inside, most of the Packard convertibles I'm familiar with had painted dashboards.

The Senior series had woodgrain, working on a 1940 160 convertible now, and pretty sure they all had it. I'd bet the Junior series was just painted, but have no firm evidence of that.....

All junior sedans that I've owned were wood grained but I've seen the convertibles both ways and always wondered which was correct. One sedan I had until recently uses wood grain on the dash and front door mouldings but the rear compartment had the mouldings painted. I never saw another done that way.

I'm still not sure of the answer. I've joined the forum mentioned above but have not posted a question yet. I have seen a completely original 1946 Pontiac with wood grain on the front doors and dash and painted rear moldings. The Pontiac was 100% factory original. I assumed it was an assembly line mistake. Maybe not.