6219_Rules

Last night at 11:45 PM, my parents and I were returning from a wonderful day of fireworks in the 69 Olds 98 when we were rear ended by a drunk teen driver. No one was hurt for which we are very thankful, but the Olds is totalled. I will not know if I will get the $3500 value or not but that really means little. A beautiful old warrior is gone. Thanks to all of you on the OCA who have helped me to keep the car a charished part of my life. That means a great deal to me.

So true and beautifully said, Brian! I cannot discount the other clubs because I always get informative and polite exchanges from them. I, myself, belong to a fairly lengthy sellection of clubs and I am trying to become more active in them. So I take it, as far as the CCCA is concerned, a Classic ends with 1947. Well I for one LOVE Packards! And my Dad is so happy I did not buy one because of the difficulty in finding parts and cost of those parts. Personally I would have been happy to buy one had one been available where I was looking at the time. The only years I do not like the look of, are those from 1951 to 1954. However I do like their interiors and appointments. Now I want a 1956 Cadillac in the worst way so I am trying to find someone to buy my beautiful '47 Caddy. All in good time I suppose. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Guys, I need to find out the outfit doing my tank but I have learned that they will clean it out thoroughly, sandblast it and then seal it. After it has cured they bake the sucker. The the exterior is polished up, the sending unit and all is put in place and it is shipped back for re-installation. By the by, the process and tank now have a life time guarentee (I think this passes on with the car should I sell it). Prittee Koowel! Hey you should get SOMETHING for $1075.00 American!!! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Glenn: I notice that you talk about jack stands but not ramps. Is there a reason to exclude ramps as an option?

Once again you have answered the question with penache! Thanks! I have had other clocks re-fitted with the quartz movement (most notibly my 47's) so I would not mind doing that again. I love watching the clock work....when I am not driving, of course! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Fonz!!! What a GORGEOUS car!! Congratulations!! And it is a 1956! (my Birth Year so its got to be good). I would love to see some pictures of the interior if you ever got the chance. DeSoto is a marvelous marque (leave it to Chrysler to screw it up and dump it). Just look at the innovations DeSoto offered in the 30's, and 40s. That is too cool! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It runs fine but when the car has been shut off for more than 10 minutes or so, it stops. Any ideas why the trickle charge would fail?

Gosh, RO. I am sorry to hear that! I can imagine how it must feel...actually I have been there. I am hoping that this straightens itself out for you on the next time round.

Dave, I would love to come up there. But I am afraid I am as guilty as anyone of being a user. I love my old cars and while I would give them up, I don't seem to be doing it...no, no they are still safe and sound in my garage. I find myself torn between what I know must be done, and the desire to keep what I have always known. Change is never easy for me...or anyone I gather...and isn't it odd that so adaptive a creature as Homo Sapiens sapiens is adversive to the very thing that makes up the Universe and allows him to survive? I suspose we will continue in this vain of despoiling until it is long past the point of no return. Not a cheery thought. So do you have trouble finding parts up there in the far north for that wonderful Packard? I had considered relocating to Canada 5 years ago... alife time now it seems..but due to my failing health it seemed there was no way to do it and not abuse yet another resource. I have paid dutifully into this system but I cannot, will not really, live off of the largesse of another people for my own comfort or gain. For better or worse I am here and I shall be happy to live and die here. Have you noticed that the administration that promised it would take the government out of our daily lives is only increasing its influence through legislation that is meant to control how we live?

I agree with you, Bob. It is the order of supply and demand. But if the part is readily availble and the demand is low, due to the relative numbers of consumers with Packards, then why is it so expensive? A. it is plentiful. B. It is immaterial whether it is for a Packard or a VW. Hmmmmmm. I think there are two issues here. One is the cost of parts that are being unfairly loaded with cost due to name and packaging, and two, parts that are OEM for a particular marque. If a one part is being manufactured generically and the consumer is being charge 150% more for that part because the distributer tacks a Packard logo on it, that is unfair. However, if the part is rare or no longer in the general market stock, aimed at a particular marque like Packard, then that is the result of supply and demand. It may be a hard pill to swallow...I do regularly...but in order to maintain originality it is simply the way it is. The price will continue to be high even if manufactured for Packard enthusiasts because the demand is high (for that specialized market) and the supply is kept low. Artificially inflated to make it profitable. So much for my market analysis...I never was much good at this stuff. How did I do??? Please don't shoot me!!! I'm just a wolfie! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Especially when you consider the market for them. If a maker were to commit say 25 tanks to being fitted to a Packard line, then I would think they would be sold fairly smartly. It is true that the retro fit gas tanks are made for almost all GM products back to 1950 but not across the board. Tanks for the 40's are excluded because, they tell me, they cannot find the blanks. Blanks??? Who needs stinkin' blanks! We have old useless tanks aplenty to use! So I will start hunting the small air ports and see if I cannot find an old cobbler...out here where there are still these funny places called farms you just never know! In the meantime, my tank is being done. Why? Because it was too late to stop it. Oh well. I sold some junk I didn't need and pulled in a few favors, that plus a credit card on relatively low interest, will mean I can drive my honey while waiting to find the new tank. Believe it or not, none of the shops or people I have talked to will consider retro-fitting a modern tank...too many liability issues. The lawyers have struck again. I should have waited...shoulda, woulda, coulda..yeh yeh yeh. I know. A fool and his money soon parteth. Etc. etc. etc.

Will do, RJ! Thanks for the information. You can never have too many books!

Thank you, Steve. I will look it up and see if I can get one. I am sure it is in my local library. I must say the Packard Club has been more than helpful and welcoming even though I show the Oldsmobile Club logo and own both it and a Cadillac. I would think seriously of a Packard myself for the future. Hey, as an aside, what is the last year of Packard considered a Classic...would that be 1947? I may have answered that for myself. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

A PHAETON????? Oh Tommy, tell us it ain't so! That is ... well it just IS indescribable! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> If I had any money at all I'd save the poor baby and sell it to a collector to be RESTORED (not FIXED!) What a waste...but then that is nature, some can be saved and others not. I am sure it will make someone squeal with glee to see it all hopped up in its pink, purple and burgundy flames. Excuse me ...Im going to be Verklempt!

Sure reminds me of bumpers from the forties on Fords and Chevys. I don't think that they painted the red striping in the fifties like that. It sure is a nice example. I would love an old truck from say, 1938 through 1950. But well I have enough on my plate as it is. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Funny how those old farm trucks that no one thought a thing about 40 years ago are going for huge bucks now! I still love the three and four window cabs of the early fifties. Heck my 1981 Chevy inline six is the same basic truck with just an uglier body. Esthetics are DEAD!! Long live PLASTICS! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Man when they said "It ain't your Daddy's Oldsmobile" back in '94 they shor wornt kiddin! (I'm from the heart of Missour-a...I can talk like that.)

Then I happily stand corrected!! My son was converted very young to loving cars. He would watch me wash and patiently wax the car I had whether the paint was perfect or glazed because I felt and feel it is important to do. We went to shows and his Mother started collection antique MGs so he grew up knowing the value of a modern car, an older car, a rare car and a Classic car. What I was refering to more were the current youth and adults who are interested but not so interested to really do more than look when a show is pitched on the Fourth of July. Still that is a good time to chat with people and let them in on the secret...as well as telling eager local newspaper reporters! In Colorado we pay registration once for a 5 year period on a Collector Car. It costs about $110 give or take according to the vehicle and a one time/one owner emmission test. On anything older than 1950 they just look at it. Each time you sell it, the new owner will have to have it tested. But that is it. It is quite a deal really and along with the Collector Car Insurance through folks like Hagerty or Grundy, it goes a long way to making the hobby a little more affordable for some. Until, that is, you try and have it FIXED by a licensed shop. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hey Dave! Can I move up there with you? Anyway, that is what I have been reading about over the last week or two concerning the whole pollution thing with this administration, an administration I might add that refuses to even say the words 'global warming', which is tauting more of the 'protect us from ourselves' legislation in order to further the goals and fill the pockets of the multi-billion dollar industries. They are not even bothering to call this 'Filter Down' economics. The apparent success of the Pollution Credit in New York State could very well be the gradual positive effects of the last thirty years rather than the Pollution Credit per se, but let us not dismiss the idea that it could very well have worked. The problem is not in the concept but the implementation where the abuses could arise. The general open policy of this administration on the subject of natural resources and pollution has been to support industry over Smokey Bear. James Watt would be proud! You do not have to be a tree hugger or a long haired, blood throwing animal rights advocate to be concerned with losing our natural resources to greed and short sightedness. Urban sprawl is decimating our natural lands leaving miles upon miles of rolling tract homes rather than fields and forests. Just look at Bucks County Pennsylvania...my God, I did not recognise it....it looked like Levittown went nova all over the place. And now that is happening in Colorado (has been for a while). In under 6 years the rolling fields outside of Denver have now been replaced with miles of rolling Mall and bedroom communities. Sure we need the housing ... or do we? In my area we still have a water shortage problem so they have cut back on the Golf courses and gone to voluntary rationing...and then crowed how wonderful it is that they are building more 50 and 60 unit neighborhoods in an area that is barely serviced by its sewer systems. It boggles the mind! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Gotcha! Thanks again. I just checked. Never hurts to ask more than once <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good post, PH. I have called several manufacturers of replacement tanks, and the one thing they keep saying is that without a true, manufacturer's blank, i.e. GM, they cannot take the chance of being sued. Our letigenous is coming back to bite us again and again! Would a standard replacement tank fit into the 47 Cadillac? I suspect I will have to have someone make one up and hope they do a good job. Do you have any ballpark prices on what this will lead to if done? Thank you!! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Wayne, Matt, PH and you all are right. The problem is there are no acceptable, accredited terms to cover cars after 1947 (by the CCCA bylaws), and the Federalinterferingineveryoneslife Government, long may its panties wave, has compounded this, rightly pinnioned on the backs of those happy lobbyists without whom we all would be much happier, by using the term 'classic' to denote anything older than 20 years, give or take. Therefore in Colorado any hunk of junk that runs and is over 20 years old is a 'classic'. So we try symantics, little 'c', big 'C' etc. but it all comes down to what we should call cars that are not accredited as Classic?? Like the public cares...and those that do only want to say the right thing. I have no answers really ... I have tried to suggest things. Anyone else care to try and suggest how we can change the situation? Is it worth trying to change? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Sheesh and you told ME to lighten up! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I am searching for either OEM replacement gas tanks for 1940's Cadillacs or, failing that, the production blanks for the remanufacturing of said tanks? Thanks in advance!!! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes well, one just cannot have too much, I mean I might need to pass one of those H2s on I-25. Right?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thank you, AIK. I appreciate the help. I do like the Packards (who would not really) and I love the look of the '55s and 56's a great deal. Uh...after 56 they look like Scotsmen...not a pretty sight at all. But I must say, on sheer looks, I do not care for the early fifties at all. That grill treatment is just plain fugly. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Thank you, Art. I appreciate the report and I will save it. I will also ask this question on the CLC forum to see if they can add to it. But I suspect you are right and it could be done at home, on the ramps or jack stands with a crawler, and a friend. Not that I have ever done anything like this before but hey if it saves me money it is worth it. I am sure I can get someone from the Rocky Mountain Region CLC to help me. (nudge nudge...say no more) <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Seriously I really appreciate your time and effort.