Packard buying questions

[LINC400]

Please do not bury this topic in the Packard forum. I need maximum exposure for answers a.s.a.p.

I am looking into buying a 1956 Packard 400. I can't afford one that needs nothing. So I will have to buy a project car and fix it up gradually. I know Packard's history, but not mechanicals. How big of a problem and expense are the following issues?

Levelizer doesn't work.

Transmission slow to respond at first, seemed ok later. Pushbuttons worked fine.

White smoke out of both exhaust pipes when first started. Seemed ok later.

Front windshield cracked.

Steering wheel at permanent 45 degree angle. Possible front suspension work needed.

Power windows sluggish, one doesn't work.

Wonderbar radio doesn't work. I'll probably hide a cd player in the trunk later, but it would be nice if I could get the original to work also, but not a big concern. Just curious if it is worth fixing.

[R W Burgess]

I can leave it here 400, but the responses you would get in the Packard Forum would far outweigh what you'll get here.

I'd suggest you make a duplicate post in the Packard Forum to test my theory.

RWB

[LINC400]

I already posted on a Packard forum as well.

[R W Burgess]

Great, Let's see who answers best, first!

[mrpushbutton]

LINC400--I responded in the Packard section

[critterpainter]

White smoke at COLD start-up is normal.

Steering wheel not centered is a minor problem that often has nothing to to with suspension, just a lazy mechanic that didn't center the steering wheel as part of an alignment job.

Radio could be anything from a bad vibrator to a toasted radio.

Bill

[LINC400]

Thanks, I passed on this one since it had lots of other problems. But this will be good to know for the next one.