Ark-La-Tex Packards

1932 Packard 900 Light Eight owned by Jim Quinn

2012-01-03T22:11:00.001-06:00

1932 Packard 900 Light Eight - Model/Chassis #900 - Series 9th - Body number is a 553

2012-01-03T22:09:00.000-06:00

1932 Packard 900 Light Eight - Model/Chassis #900 - Series 9th - Body number is a 553

1931 Packard 840 custom 8

2011-10-26T17:47:00.000-05:00

This 1931 Packard 840 custom 8 is owned by Arklatex Packard member Alex McCommas

Landmarks of Longview Architectural Home Tour XII

2011-09-26T19:08:00.000-05:00

Landmarks of Longview Architectural Home Tour XII honoring Dr. Peggy and Howard Coghlan. September 17 & 18 from 2 - 5 pm. Featuring four homes in the Mobberly Place Addition. Tickets: $20 in advance at the Gregg County Historical Museum, Pen & Company, Louis Morgan Drug #4, Barron's, Johnny Case's, Horaney's, and Texas Bank & Trust (downtown); $25 during the tour at each location. Sponsored in part by the Cultural Activities Advisory Commission. Benefiting the Gregg County Historical Museum.

Wendell Hawkins 91st Birthday Party - 8-27-11 Meeting

2011-09-26T18:50:00.000-05:00

1940 Packard One-Sixty Convertible

2011-09-12T22:04:00.001-05:00

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID W. TEMPLE

James Hollingsworth of Dallas, Texas, owns our featured example. This is one of several Packards (including a 1941 model with factory air conditioning) in Jim’s collection. Hollingsworth bought the car as a “basket case” in 1976.

Since its lengthy restoration, the classy Packard has accumulated 34,000 miles with a significant amount of that resulting from several journeys across the country. Some of the highlights of those trips include being featured on “Good Morning Detroit” during the 1982 National Packard Automobile Classics (PAC) gathering as well as being driven on the Packard Proving Grounds during the same event. The following year the Packard took a first place award in its class at the Harrah Car Show in Reno, Nevada. Following that, it was driven on to San Francisco to the PAC meet there and then to the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) meet in Santa Barbara. In 1987, Hollingsworth drove the car in the CCCA Caravan called “The Rush to the Rockies” that took the Packard to an altitude of about 14,000 feet above sea level. Four years later, Jim drove the One-Sixty on an 8,000 mile trek over six weeks through eleven states and Canada while on the CCCA Caravan, “Challenge of the Canadian Rockies.” Hollingsworth found his car to average 14 mpg throughout the trip. Overall, the senior Packard has been driven through sixteen states since its total restoration with all of those trips originating from Jim’s home in Dallas. After all those grand voyages, Jim re-restored his rare piece of Packard history during the spring of 2004 and is now ready to handle the next big adventure which includes writing a sequel to the book he authored and published in 2001, “Packard 1940 – A Pivotal Year.” His next book will cover the years 1941 and 1942.

Though Packard Motor Company is gone, as long as there are collectors restoring, preserving, and driving examples of the company’s fine heritage the future is rosy in terms of keeping its memory alive. If you have any doubt about that, just ask the man who owns several.

High Class at a Low Price - 1940 Packard 110 Business Coupe

2011-08-22T20:34:00.001-05:00

High Class at a Low Price

1940 Packard 110 Business Coupe

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID W. TEMPLE

Starting in August 1939, Packard Motor Car Company had entered the first full model-year of its four-year plan to make the company competitive with those makes in the low-medium and medium-priced markets. Packard had been in the premium car arena since founder James Ward Packard declared his desire to build the best automobile money could buy way back in 1899. However, the Great Depression revealed to the company’s managers that survival would be highly doubtful if Packard did not expand its product line into the price range where 40 percent of all domestic car sales occurred. The model One-Twenty, which debuted for 1935, and the introduction of a new six-cylinder model for 1937, brought the needed results. To keep up with demand and cut costs, Packard had to modernize its facilities; greater efficiency meant more production at less cost, which in turn meant prices cold be lowered to more competitive levels.

Though Packard now mass-produced low-medium and medium-priced cars, they did not exit the premium car market, which had established their reputation for producing fine automobiles. In fact, their efforts resulted in cars in almost all price ranges, though the very luxurious and prestigious Packard Twelve was no longer a part of the lineup for 1940; it was simply too expensive to build (especially by hand) and brought too few orders to justify its continued existence. The Custom Super Eight One-Eighty and Super Eight One-Sixty essentially replaced the twelve-cylinder Packard. (However, the most premium Packards were not actually built at that company’s facilities, but farmed out to legendary stylist, Howard “Dutch” Darrin. Buyers could order the cars through a dealer; Darrin built the cars in his shop which the old Auburn plant in Connersville, Indiana. Furthermore, custom-builders Rollson, Derham, and Bohman & Schwartz survived the economic depression to offer their services, too.) Very few of Packard’s sales came from the “senior” cars during this time, though.

Packard’s ads in “The Saturday Evening Post” and “Colliers” declared their cars had the “lowest prices in Packard history” though advertised prices for all models did increase very modestly twice during the model year. The lowest-priced series was the One-Ten, which was the only six-cylinder car in the Packard line and was comprised of six styles (plus a bare chassis for commercial applications). The lowest-priced car in this group was the Business Coupe, which had a price tag of $867 in base trim throughout the model year. Packard advertising for this model underscored the relatively low price by saying it “Runs like a Song – for a Song!” The rest of this lineup also known as the 1800 Series was comprised of a station wagon, two- and four-door sedans, a club coupe, and a two-door convertible; the latter was the most expensive of the 1800 Series with an initial price of $1,087.

Regardless of the price paid for a One-Ten model, the buyer received the smooth running inline six with a swept volume of 245 cubic inches and 100-horsepower output. This engine had four main bearings, balanced crank shaft, mechanical valve tappets, aluminum pistons weighing 20 ¼ ounces each, and a cast-iron cylinder head and block. The standard compression ratio was 6.39:1, though an optional 6.71:1 compression engine was offered at extra cost. The remaining standard features of the One-Ten were minimal and included tan or blue-gray broadcloth upholstery, electric clock, and a cigar lighter. All Packard models for 1940 could be had with the optional and improved Econo-Drive – the marketing term for the overdrive unit again this year. A popular option, Econo-Drive was activated by the momentary release of the accelerator at any speed above 21 mph. Direct drive could be reinstated by flooring the accelerator; the overdrive could be locked out altogether as well. With Econo-Drive activated, engine speed was reduced by nearly 28 percent and of course improved fuel economy resulted as well as increased engine life. Those who did not opt for the overdrive still got a three-speed manual transmission with what Packard advertising called a “Velvetouch Clutch.” The transmission was updated and improved with larger helical gear teeth. Incidentally, Packard is credited with inventing the helical gear.

Sealed beam headlights were introduced to the auto industry via this year’s Packard. To help emphasize the point, the headlight shell had “sealed beam” embossed on the top, front side. Furthermore, Packard also introduced the air conditioner as an option in an automobile for this model year. The system had been developed by Bishop and Babcock Manufacturing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Packard fitted a 1939 Packard with the system and found it to be practical, thus it was offered initially for all of the 1940 models at a price of $310. The “Weather Conditioner” as Packard called it, was modified during the model year which led to a price cut to $275, but from the spring of ’40, it was limited to the senior cars only.

Other updates included a lower amperage, higher revving starter motor supplied by Bendix, a switch from the Holley carburetor to one made by Stromberg, and an improved suspension which Packard said provided “the greatest ride ever built into a motor car.” The “Safe-T-fleX” suspension, as Packard called it, received modifications to improve smoothness, handling, and stability. The result was “the envy of the automotive industry” according to Packard officials.

Not all changes for Packard in 1940 applied to the cars themselves; a significant management change occurred, too. Alvan Macauley who began working for Packard in 1910, after being recruited by Packard to be its general manager and then ascended the corporate ladder to become the president of the company announced during the spring of ’39, at the age of 67, his desire to resign from the presidency and assume the chairmanship of Packard. Thus, 1940 marked the first full model-year for Packard Motor Company under Macauley’s replacement as president, Max Gilman. Gilman had served as Vice President of sales for Packard-New York when Macauley took note of go-getter style and began assigning him to additional duties. Later, Gilman became a key figure in the One-Twenty program which was so important to Packard’s survival in the 1930s.

Packard Motor Company got what they needed from the 1940 model year. It became their second best year to date in terms of production with output amounting to 98,020 cars. Cars were just part of Packard production; they also had contracts to build engines for aircraft (including 9,000 for Rolls Royce) as well as marine engines for the U.S. Navy. The future for the company and its 1,938 domestic and 90 Canadian dealers looked rosy. No one could foresee that Packard’s biography would be complete within 20 years.

The best selling Packards for 1940 were the so-called junior cars which accounted for more than 92 percent of total production. One of those popular cars was the car seen here – a One-Ten Business Coupe. This Laguna Maroon Packard is owned by Nelson Bates of Longview, Texas. Nelson believes this car to have been originally owned by his uncle, who worked for the Packard dealership – Pringle Motor Service of Clarksburg, West Virginia – where it was sold new. When the current owner bought the car it had an aftermarket grille of the type sold by J.C. Whitney & Company; his uncle bought such a grille for his car. The selling dealer, aftermarket grille, color, and the fact the car is an early production Business Coupe (built November 1939) are the only clues supporting Nelson’s belief. His last memory of his uncle’s car was as a child when the family used it for a picnic on August 6, 1945; he clearly recalls hearing the broadcast on the family’s portable radio telling of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

Nelson is quick to give credit for the beautiful body-off restoration; R&R Restoration, a local shop specializing in vintage automobile restoration, performed body and paintwork; Nelson’s nephew, James, restored the woodgrain finish of the dash. He also notes the assistance of his brother, Warren, who has an extensive knowledge of Packards.

Nelson’s 1940 Packard One-Ten Business Coupe was a relatively rare car when new and is even more so today. This is certainly one of the finest examples in existence and is an atypical choice for a Packard restoration project. Many 1940 junior-series cars have served as parts cars for the prestigious and rare One-Sixty, One-Eighty, and Darrin-built Packards. Nelson’s sentimental attachment to his uncle’s One-Ten helped save this car from a similar fate, and we get to appreciate an example of the cars that helped keep Packard Motor Company in business during the difficult economic years preceding World War II.

Even though the One-Ten was the lowest priced model in the lineup, it retained the expression of high class for which Packard was known.

SPECIFICATIONS

1940 PACKARD 160 CONVERTIBLE MODEL 1803

GENERAL DATA

BODY STYLE: 2 DR. CONVERTIBLE

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 4

BASE PRICE: $1,797 (AS OF 7/1/40)

WHEELBASE: 127”

WEIGHT: 3,825 LBS.

ENGINE

TYPE: STRAIGHT-EIGHT; IRON BLOCK AND HEAD

BORE & STROKE: 3 ½ x 4 5/8 inches

DISPLACEMENT: 356 CI

COMPRESSION RATIO: 6.45:1 STANDARD, 6.85:1 OPTIONAL

HORSEPOWER: 160 @ 3,500 RPM

TAXABLE HORSEPOWER:

TORQUE: 292 ft.-lb. @ 1,800 RPM

HP/CID: 0.449

INDUCTION SYSTEM: STROMBERG AAV-26 DOWNDRAFT

IGNITION SYSTEM: 6-VOLT, AUTOLITE MAX-4041 STARTER, AUTOLITE GEA-4802-A GENERATOR, AUTOLITE CE-4639 COIL

EXHAUST: SINGLE 2 ½ INCH

MAIN BEARINGS: 9

TRANSMISSION

TYPE: 3-SPD. WITH OVERDRIVE

CLUTCH: SINGLE DRY PLATE, 9 SPRINGS

DIFFERENTIAL

TYPE: SEMI-FLOATING, HYPOID

RATIO: 4.36:1

BRAKES

TYPE: INTERNAL EXPANDING, HYDRAULIC

EFFECTIVE AREA: 196 SQ. IN.

DRUM SIZE: 12 IN.

TIRES

SIZE: 16 X 7.00 IN.

TYPE: 4-PLY

CAPACITIES

COOLING SYSTEM: 20 QTS.

GASOLINE TANK: 21 GALS.

ENGINE OIL: 7 QTS.

Making a transmission bearing

2011-08-22T00:33:00.004-05:00

On the way home from the National Packard meet in Galena, Ill. this July we experienced a vibration not unlike a u-joint feel when going over 53 MPH. It would have been too easy to replace a u-joint but I checked them anyway. No such luck.
We just drove home a little slower then had Russell Chandler, local guru/President of the ArkLaTex Packard Club /Certified Master Packard Mechanic make a diagnoses, his was a transmission bearing. Remove the transmission with a little help from friend Carl Wimberly and sure enough, the from main bearing was worn. Of course all you have to do is go to the bearing shop and pick one up, right? No, the company that made it had gone out of business 35 years ago. Called around the country, could not locate one. Of course all the Packard book had was Packard bearing numbers and our local Packard dealer is out of business so the next thing to do is check with the human computer. Called Mr. Warren Bates, he had the bearing numbers from Hyatt, that didn't help much however it was educational as all conversations with him are. He stated that the rollers were the same size in diameter as a Model T rear axle bearing rollers and the same type. Mr. Ed Messenger, a local machinist and old car collector said we could make one. Nothing to it, right? Not quite. First we had to disassemble the old bearing by drilling the ends of the standoffs that kept the bearing together, this was done using a dividing head set up on a mill. After the disassembling process, we had to find the rollers. A new Model T bearing was located from another friend in Oklahoma City. After receiving the new bearing Ed had to go through the same process to disassemble it, then chuck the rollers one at a time in his lathe and with a handy-dandy tool post cutter, cut three small rollers from each Model T roller. In time he had all eleven. Then with a nice piece of steel he made new standoffs, cleaned all the parts and reassembled all to make a new bearing. After installing in the transmission, a check ride pronounced it fine. So how difficult was it really? Not bad, several days calling around the country looking for a bearing, approximately $ 25,000 worth of equipment, 60 years experience, one long weekend. However, it was fun, educational and worth it. I have been to a Packard Club meeting and participated in a wedding party, I have several club outing yet and a tour before the old car is put away for the winter, what a great hobby.

locating and drilling standoffs

setting up in dividing head to locate pins, (360 degrees divided by 11)

Model T bearing disassembled, roller cut, new standoff

cutting rollers

new bearing assembled

old pins, extra parts

finsihed bearing

transmission parts

disassembled bearing

The Faded Rose by David Stewart

2011-08-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

“Faded Rose” as we call her was discovered in Tyler, Texas by Alex McCommas
in 2006. She had been in a dirt floor garage since l960 in a state of some
disassembly, several parts missing and had been abused for some time previous
to 1960. Alex turned her over to David Stewart, restorer, and Nelson Bates, a
Packard owner, researcher and general expert. We undertook the project to
bring “The Faded Rose” back to her former glory.

With considerable work and great expense, we have succeeded. “Faded Rose”
is a 1927 Packard that started life as a four-door sedan but was converted to
winch truck service during the East Texas Oil Boom of the 1930’s. “Faded Rose”
was displayed at the Texas Packard Meet in April 2008 and won multiple awards.

The Last Days of Packard

2011-08-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

As Seen by a Former Packard Dealer

(Published in Cars & Parts, Dec. 2006)

By David W. Temple

Photographs courtesy of Wendell Hawkins

The 1955 model year was a very good one for the automobile industry with record
production of nearly eight-million units. On that basis alone, opening a new car
dealership for 1955 would seem to have been nothing other than a money making
opportunity. However, things were not so rosy for the independents. Packard, for
one, did not get much benefit out of the overall record production of automobiles.
Opening a new Packard dealership at that time from the perspective of today could
easily be judged to have been a way to lose money in a hurry. Wendell Hawkins
opened his Packard dealership in late 1954 and was profitable from the start.
Unfortunately, his contribution to Packard sales was not nearly enough to save the
company from extinction. His experiences as a dealer during the last days of Packard
(before the “Packardbaker” era) are interesting and he was willing to share his
memories of those times for readers of Cars & Parts.
Wendell Hawkins Packard, Inc. was located at the corner of Milam and Hadley in
Houston, Texas. Prior to Mr. Hawkins’ sales agreement with Packard, the building
(which had been built in the early 1920s) served as the Earl North Buick Company.
Gene Meador had just retired his Packard dealership (located several blocks away
from Milam and Hadley) which paved the way for Hawkins to step in as Houston’s
Packard dealer. From the beginning, Wendell had the full support of Packard Motor
Car Company with 24 sheet posters covering all of Houston and frequent, full-page
newspaper advertisements which were scheduled by Packard’s ad agency, D’Arcy.
When he asked Packard to display their one-of-a-kind show car, the Predictor, in his
showroom he got it. That support along with Wendell’s experience as president of a
Houston advertising agency handling several major accounts undoubtedly provided
the means to keep the dealership in the black. He was later offered a Studebaker-
Packard dealership which he quickly turned down in favor of selling other makes
such as Chrysler, Volvo, Rolls Royce, and Jaguar. The short, but rewarding time
Wendell had with Packard revealed to him what was wrong with the company and why
it failed.
During our interview, Mr. Hawkins first wanted to help end the myth that Packard’s
problems started with their down-market 120 series of the thirties. He said, “The
greatest myth of why Packard failed was building lower priced cars in the thirties.
That did not hurt their prestige, but rather it saved them.” The main reason Packard
failed according to Wendell was that “mostly wealthy, old men” were in charge of
many Packard dealerships during the ‘40s through ‘50s and “they were not
aggressive enough.” One example of what he meant was dealer Gene Meador who
paid cash for his cars and would never discount them. The cars sat on the showroom
floor until a customer came along who was willing and able to pay full price. He also
mentioned that the Dallas-Ft. Worth dealerships had low sales. The Dallas zone
office had such difficulty they called Wendell to ask him if he would buy their cars at
dealer cost which he did. Many of the cars had sat so long valves had become stuck
and/or had other problems associated with sitting inactive for long period. Wendell
said Packard “took care of those issues.”
Wendell noted a major failure of Packard Motor Car Company was in not offering a
V-8 as early as 1951. “The public preferred the short stroke V-8s and Packard could
have produced a V-8 in 1951, but they got complacent. A V-8 would have meant
everything to Packard’s survival. The long stroke straight-eight was a good, smooth,
dependable engine, but it did not provide the quick acceleration of the Kettering V-
8,” said Wendell. Of course Packard got around to offering their first V-8 for the 1955
model year. That was not the only new feature on Packards that year. Their cars also
got new styling and a revolutionary torsion bar suspension. The new ‘55s had their
problems though. Warranty work was “slightly above average for the first four or five
months” at Wendell’s dealership. Afterwards, warranty work was at a “very low level”
through the end of 1956 production. However, the quality control problems with the
early ‘55s “cost Packard dearly”, said Hawkins. (He noted that “Packard was very
generous when it came to paying for required warranty repairs.”) Wendell does not
know why Packard gave up their Grand Boulevard plant for the smaller plant at
Connersville Avenue. Chrysler bought Briggs who had built bodies for Chrysler and
Packard forcing the latter to build its own bodies. Unfortunately, Packard “got the
worst employees from Briggs which hurt the quality of an otherwise innovative
product.” Also hurting Packard was their choice to build their own transmission.
Wendell explained that, “Their Ultra-Matic was a great transmission; it had a direct-
drive lockup unlike Buick’s Dynaflow. No other independents in the industry built their
own transmission, but instead purchased them from Borg-Warner, Ford, or GM. The
cost of constructing a transmission plant was very expensive for Packard.”
Two other problems faced by Packard Motor Car Company were the high cost of
steel and canceled military contracts. Packard did not need the volume of steel the
big three consumed; therefore they could not get the same quantity discount their
competitors received. The cancellation of military contracts by the U. S. Government
hurt Packard’s profits, too. During World War 2, Packard built 55,000 Rolls-Royce
Merlin aircraft engines (while Rolls-Royce assembled much less).
Not everything was wrong with Packard. Their torsion bar suspension was well liked
due to the exceptional ride quality it provided. Wendell noted that with proper tire
inflation and periodic adjustments the torsion bar suspension “provided a fantastic
ride.” Packard’s V-8 impressed a lot of enthusiasts. For 1956, Packards received a
horsepower boost and a stronger crankshaft. Packard had planned to increase its
displacement to an incredible 500 cubic inches for 1957. Hawkins also noted,
“Packard had the most modern proving ground in the business.” He got the chance
to see it first hand when he visited Packard’s Grand Boulevard facilities and met with
company president, James Nance.
When Nance took over the presidency of Packard he set out to modernize the
company, but he “made many mistakes” according to Wendell. One of those was
purchasing Studebaker through a “gentleman’s agreement ... There was no
accounting review. What Packard later found was that Studebaker was in a sea of
red ink; the company was in very serious trouble. George Mason as president of
American Motors had planned to join the company with Packard, Studebaker, and
Hudson, but when he died the plan was dropped.” Packard enthusiasts must wonder
about what might have been had Mason lived to follow through on his plans.
During the last days of Packard, “dealers were the last to know anything” about
Packard’s financial condition. “Everything was presented as rosy,” said Hawkins.
Wendell learned of Packard’s demise through a telegram from the president of Curtis-
Wright. That telegram indicated Packard would continue. Wendell said he got more
information about what was happening at Packard through the Wall Street Journal. At
the end of production, Hawkins had about 40 new Packards in stock. Packard offered
to repurchase the cars or pay a rebate of the difference between dealer cost and
factory cost. Wendell elected to keep the cars and sell them at dealer cost; he sold
all of them within three weeks. His lease agreement was for ten years with options.
Had it not been for the new Edsel which debuted for the 1958 model year, Hawkins
would have been obligated to continue paying the rent. Fortunately for Wendell, an
Edsel dealer wanted the building which released him from the contract.
While Wendell’s dealership was in business he helped support a few interesting
experiments involving Packard products. A private company tried to sell the city of
Houston on the idea of a monorail system. They built a prototype which was tested
with a variety of engines, but those did not give the desired results. An official with
the new company called Wendell about the project. He sold two Packard V-8s to
them which worked well in the experimental monorail. Packard engines were not
enough to overcome political opposition to the program, though. In 1956, Humble Oil
was developing Golden Esso gasoline for higher compression engines. Wendell was
contacted about testing the gasoline in a Packard since their cars had the highest
compression in the industry at 10.0:1, so he loaned one to them. Furthermore, the
last Packard tested by Road & Track and Mel Martin with the Houston Post was his
personal demonstrator, a 1956 Four-Hundred, which averaged 122.46mph on three-
way run near the Addicks Dam just west of Houston.
Packard faded away forever when Studebaker-Packard shareholders approved
dropping the Packard name from the corporate title in April 1962, but Wendell
Hawkins’ relationship with the marque has not faded at all. Thanks to him and other
collectors, Packard cars will continue to grace the roads and car shows across not
only this country, but all over the world. He remains active in The Packard Club
(ArkLaTex Packard Club regional chapter) and was honored for his contributions to
Packard during the festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the marque at

Warren, Ohio, in 1999.

SELLING THE 1955-56 CARIBBEAN

Dealers had difficulty in obtaining the new, very upscale Caribbeans. The Los
Angeles dealer, Earl C. Anthony, received ten convertibles for 1956, which was likely
the most for any dealer. Wendell Hawkins dealership received five convertibles for
‘56, but he actually sold more than that. For example, the Marshall, Texas, dealer
could not sell the one he received which can be explained in part by the model’s high
price (more than that of a Cadillac Eldorado). He contacted Wendell about swapping
for a Clipper Sedan which he did. Wendell said that Houston was a great market for
the Caribbean as well as the other senior level (Patrician and Four-Hundred)
Packards.
Production of the Caribbean was limited since the model was intended to bring
more sales to the senior level cars. James Nance had instructed dealers to try to
sway potential Caribbean buyers to the Patrician. The reason was simple. Packard
lost money on the Caribbean even at the price of $5,995 (for the ‘56 convertible).
Demand for the Caribbean exceeded production, so one dealer found a solution to
meet the demand he had for the cars; it was the Esquire. Harry DuBois, Inc. in
Arlington, Virginia, got inspiration for his idea from James Nance who told dealers at
the end of Caribbean production in May of 1955, to try to salvage unfilled Caribbean
orders with Four-Hundreds fitted with rear dual aerials. DuBois went further than that
by adding not only the suggested dual aerials, but also altering the side trim on the
two-door hardtop to resemble a Caribbean and installing the Caribbean hood.
Esquire script replaced the Four-Hundred scripts. The practice was later expanded to
the four-door Patrician and was continued into 1956. Customers later wanted other
extras such as an Autronic Eye which was an accessory often found on Cadillacs.
DuBois did basically whatever the customer wanted. At least one 1956 Esquire
survives today.

Two Classics, One Car (740 Packard Roadster)

2011-08-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Two Classics, One Car

Click on the above link

East Texas Radio Days Exhibit & Artwalk 7-28-11 Part Deux

2011-08-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

ArtWalk at the Gregg County Historical Museum featuring the museum's East Texas Radio Days Exhibit with the Ark-La-Tex Packard Club, Regions Bank, KZQX FM 100.3, Tom Perryman from The Ranch KKUS FM 104.1, and Decorating, Etc. - Fredonia Street, Downtown Longview July 28, 2011 The East Texas Radio Days Exhibit is sponsored in part by the City of Longview's Cultural Activities Advisory Commission.

These photos were taken by Gregg County Historical Museum.

East Texas Radio Days Exhibit & Artwalk 7-28-11

2011-07-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

Neina Kennedy (Museum Director) wrote:
We had the best time yesterday at ArtWalk at the Historical Museum. The street was lined with Packard Automobiles in front of our 100 year old building!!! The best day ever!!

East Texas Radio Days Exhibit & Artwalk

2011-07-24T11:56:00.001-05:00

Join us at the

Gregg County Historical Museum for an

Open House

during

on Thursday, July 28^th from 4 to 8 pm

The Ark-La-Tex Packard Car Club will be lining North Fredonia Street with their vintage Packard Automobiles in front of the Historical Museum and

Regions Bank.

Our neighbors over at Regions Bank are sponsoring this ArtWalk Open House so that you can enjoy refreshments while perusing the East Texas Radio Days exhibit. Chuck Conrad will be here broadcasting his KZQX FM 100.3 radio station live.

Gregg County Historical Museum

Day 13 - Galena - The 25 Packard is Home - Lucky 13

2011-07-18T20:17:00.001-05:00

The thirteenth and final day on the 1000 mile journey home from Galena, Illinois to Longview, Texas puts another notch on the belt for the Stewart's. The modern day Horatio Nelson Jackson.

Todd Bates

Well, here we are. Arrived safe and sound at 10:45AM, after a usual early departure at 6:15AM. Total miles driven 2330, gas mileage, 12.95, not too bad for an old Packard loaded with lots of luggage and parts. No oil was added and only a pint of water was used on the whole trip. The newly rebuilt vacuum tank performed flawlessly even though there were a number of steep hills. We put side curtains on only once and we wound up not even needing them. We saw a total of 26 cars on the side of the road and none were Packards. All the roads were paved, even in Arkansas. We did have a small amount of construction but overall the highways were in good condition. We drove approximately 620 miles on interstate, mostly from Texarkana, TX to north of Little Rock, AR and around St.Louis, MO. The rest was on US 67 and secondary roads. We had a real good trip, met lots of interesting Packard owners as well as folks on the road and in small cafes etc. The country up there was nice and green and cool. Our two hottest days were the first from Longview, TX to Pocohantas, AR, and today from Malvern, AR to Longview, TX. Would I do it again? Next year the meet is in Williamsburg Va. Anyone want to go with me? I can't ask Peggy for a few days, but who knows, I do enjoy driving the old '25.

Thanks for all the emails and comments, we enjoyed keeping everyone informed.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-18-2011

Day 12 - Galena - The 25 Packard Goes Home

2011-07-17T17:14:00.001-05:00

The second day of their 1000 mile journey home from Galena, Illinois to Longview, Texas has been mechanically sound. That's good news for the Stewart's.
Todd Bates

Left at 6am again, long day, 388 miles today and just 240 or so to go. We are just south of Little Rock, AR. Boring day, nothing to take pictures of, nothing to do to the Packard, just check oil, water and of course gas it up. It's running just fine. Should be home by noon tomorrow. That will give me time to write up a good recap of events etc. Was warmer today as you know, however, ate lunch in northeast Arkansas it was 86, not too bad. That's all for today.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-17-2011

Day 11 - Galena -The 25 Packard Goes Home

2011-07-16T18:41:00.001-05:00

The 1000 mile journey home has begun - Galena, Illinois to Longview, Texas.
Let's wish them well and goddess of speed ...
Todd Bates

Left Saturday morning at 6:15, 75 degrees, drove 350 miles to south of St. Louis, Missouri. Warmer today, 95 or so. Not much happened, did see a windmill, not common up here.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-16-2011

Day 10 - Galena 2011 National Packard Meet - Smörgåsbord pt. 2

2011-07-16T07:16:00.001-05:00

Part 2 of Day 10

Tonight was the awards banquet, you will have to read about all the awards in the Cormorant News Bulletin when it comes out. I will tell you that the "Tom Fetch Award" for the longest distance driven was won by Peggy and David Stewart.

Will post from the road going back, leaving at 6:30 AM.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-15-2011

Day 10 - Galena 2011 National Packard Meet - Smörgåsbord

2011-07-15T19:39:00.002-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart have almost concluded day 10 of their trip.

We elected not to go on the brewery tour so instead went to a local car collection in Galena, Illinois. He's a man after my own heart. His collection was inside his house. He had built the room on the end of his house, access to the upper storage was through the garage, outside doors for the lower. Quite a collection. Tonight is the closing banquet, will send whatever information I have tonight. Leaving at 6:30 am.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-15-2011

Day 9 - Galena 2011 National Packard Meet - Judgement Day

2011-07-14T20:20:00.003-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart have concluded day 9 of their trip.
Absolutely fantastic pictures and commentary
Hats off to you both
Enjoy,
Todd Bates

Well today was judging day in downtown Galena, Illinois. They blocked off the whole street for us. You probably can't tell be the to be judged cars were on one side and the display cars like mine on the other. I took lots of pictures, some of cars I really liked and some that others really like but at least a variety, You will notice not only were the cars nice but the weather was gorgeous also. I have say thank you to Peggy for insisting that I bring a jacket on this trip, at 7:30 this morning it was 57 degrees, it got up to 76 at 4:15 p.m. as I write this. We had a good turnout of cars and people for this event. There are lots of photos, sorry about that but I think most will enjoy.

By the way, tonight is a style and talent show, I am not in it.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-14-2011

Day 8 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-13T12:46:00.003-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart are on day 8 of their trip.
Enjoy,
Todd Bates

Not much going on today, just meetings and lunch with the vendors. The view from our patio door in the morning is wonderful, this morning it was 60 degrees, supposed to get to 75. The vendor area as you can see from the photos is poor, there is some stuff for the late 40's and 50's, but not much.

The photos of the fiber glassed bodied Panther are interesting. This was Packards attempt at the sports car, T-Bird, Corvette market. It is quite a car, straight 8 with McCulloch supercharger and it would do 131.1 MPH. The owner bought it 40 years ago, has 28,000 miles on it, of course he doesn't drive it. The pretty day today is emptying the trailers, the trailer queens get a bath and polish. Someone said they have 51 cars for display and 40 or so for judging.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-13-2011

Day 7 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-13T12:34:00.002-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart are on day 7 of their trip.
Sounds like they are both having a heck of a time. I apologize for the delay in reporting
Todd Bates

Todays tour to Iowa was in nice cool weather, very low 80's!!. Car still doing like a Packard should, people come up to us and say they can't believe we drove all the way. We toured about 150 miles and visited the Ertl National Farm Toy Museum. I did not have any idea there were so many different toy tractors and implements. Then it was to the farm/movie set for "Field of Dreams", lunch at Breitbach's Country Dining, they have been in business forever, 6 generations. Interesting though, they had a permit from the government to do business even back then!!! From there to Dubuque to the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, very interesting. Stopped at WalMart and bought some ice cream. 'Till tomorrow.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-12-2011

Day 6 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-11T20:59:00.001-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart are on day 6 of their trip.
The Longview to Galena trek has been a mechanical success in their 1925 Packard.
The tour started today and you would think after a 1000 mile journey the Stewart's would not be touring their Packard - But you don't know David and Peggy.
Todd Bates

Well we awoke to 70 MPH winds, lightning, and heavy rain at 6 AM. Checked the radar online and discovered that it would all be gone by 8:30. I could not convince Peggy of that so we had to put the side curtains on. Left the resort at 8:30 and we were on schedule for Spring Green Wisconsin and the House on the Rock. The tour was in two groups so we wouldn't overwhelm the place. Our group had 9 cars of which two were Packards, the trailer queens did not get out with us. The second group had a few more including some nice Packards. The 65 mile trip was uneventful however we were getting into dairy country which was more interesting than just corn crops and more aromatic. The tour through the House on the Rock was interesting and difficult to describe, those of you who have seen it will attest to that, I thought it was interesting. The infinity room was best, I don't see how it was built.

I have had quite a few inquiries about the oil rectifier on my car. As I explain, it recovers raw gasoline that has blow by the rings as well as moisture from condensation from the crankcase, returning it to the intake manifold, thereby purifying the oil and utilizing the fuel thereby increasing gas mileage by perhaps 10% and double the life of the oil! I am so fortunate to have one. The elevation here is about 1100 feet and at home it is 420 feet so it will be down hill all the way home increasing my mileage again so I might even have some gas to sell when I get home. Enough for now. By the way, the side curtains did not get wet and were removed at the House on the Rock.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-11-2011

Day 5 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-10T23:01:00.001-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart have arrived and they are enjoying day 5 of their trip.
The Longview to Galena trek has been relatively uneventful - and that is a good thing.
The meet begins tomorrow so stay tuned.
Todd Bates

Not much to report, cleaned the car and checked everything, tightened the brakes a little and then rested.
At 3 PM we registered and got the tour book etc. Checking the list of registrants we find the following cars 9 - 1930 or earlier, 17 - 1934 or earlier and the oldest is a 1920 twin six touring. A grand total of 79 cars with 270 people. Most are from Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri . I had a brief visit with Bonnie Franko, President of Packard Automobile Classics, and told her the great things we were doing down in Texas and invited her to the Texas Packard Meet in Salado, she promised to try to come. Tomorrow is a tour to Wisconsin to tour the "House on the Rock", will be interesting to see if the trailer queens get unloaded and go, 30% chance of rain.
David and Peggy Stewart 7-10-2011

Day 4 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-09T17:11:00.003-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart conclude day 4 of their journey.
Longview, TX to Galena, IL. in a 25 Packard
Todd Bates

We made it up to Galena this morning, nice drive up the Iowa side of the river on the Old River Road. Temp when we got up at 6 AM was 65!!! It has warmed up some but is still very nice. Our one bedroom villa is super, one bedroom and bath upstairs, kitchen fully furnished, living room and bath downstairs. Went to downtown Galena, had lunch at "Durty-Gurt's", walked the main street. Lots of people, place was just like Eureka Springs except level. Didn't take many pictures of town, will wait until Thursday, the main street will be blocked off and all will be Packards. Saw lots of pretty farms etc...on the way. 977 miles total, car still running good, lost a nut off a bolt but replaced it before we left this morning.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-9-2011

Day 3 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-08T18:16:00.002-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart conclude day 3 of their journey.
Longview, TX to Galena, IL. in a 25 Packard
Todd Bates

Day 3
877 miles so far and I can't believe the weather up here. It's nice and cool - in the low eighties. Not much today in the way of photos, saw lots of corn and soybeans, car running fine, see photo of dash, oil pressure ok, amps ok, speed over ground 50% more than speedometer shows. tomorrow we have a 70 mile run up the "old river road", should be interesting and may be scenic. Norma would love traveling with us, we usually leave about 7 am.

I forgot to add, when we get people asking about driving so far in the Packard, I tell them the roads were all paved now - even the ones in Arkansas. We have seen about 11 cars on the side of the road and none of them were Packards!

Tonight we are staying in LeClaire, Iowa. It's a neat little town not unlike Eureka Springs, lots of junk shops all pricey - but we had to look. The pictures are of the street scenes and the river, note there is Packard in the background of several.

David and Peggy Stewart 7-8-2011

Day 1 & 2 - Galena - 2011 Packard National Meet in Galena, Illinois

2011-07-07T22:20:00.002-05:00

For all interested:
Ark-La-Tex Packard members David & Peggy Stewart have struck out on one adventuresome journey.
They are traveling in a 1925 Packard (pictured below) from Longview, TX to Galena, IL. A long trek in this type of vehicle. Can you believe this is being done with a car that has no windows?
Todd Bates

Day 1
We are spending the night after an uneventful day on the road. We are in Pocohontas, AR., 374 miles today. no photos, tired.
David & Peggy Stewart 7-6-2011

Day 2
648 miles so far and we are in Jerseyville, IL. The roughest part was going through St Louis. We stopped early, supposed to storm all day and we have missed it so far. Note the photo of Peg bagging the luggage. I did get a fair shot of the Gateway arch with the Packard in the foreground and a decent photo of the river. The only trouble so far has been my damn generator, the one i spent a load of money on - it quit, however, still had the old stand by with me so it was a 15 min. job to change. If I can fix it with the tools and part I have it is just an inconvenience.
David & Peggy Stewart 7-7-2011

5-28-11 Mini Tour & Ark-La-Tex Packard Meeting

2011-06-07T19:10:00.000-05:00


Rendezvous point - Marshall to Longview mini tour

We are off like a herd of turtles

Jim Quinn leading the way in the 32

5 car caravan to the May Ark-La-Tex Packard meeting

Downtown Longview

Peggy Stewart sitting in the 25

Peggy Stewart, Jan Williams, Jim Quinn and Nelson Bates (L to R)

Phyllis and Jim in the 56 Clipper Deluxe

Big turn out

Chuck Conrad's 47 Super Clipper

Villyard's 37 115c Sedan

Packard row - 25, 37 & 50

Gene Brewer's 50 Custom 8

The cars brought out the people in downtown Longview

Power lunch

After the meeting a quick stop at David & Peggy Stewart's Shop

The Stewart's 25

Relaxing in the man cave

Advanced Packard Training

Quinn's Light Eight resting for the trip back to Marshall

Nelson Bates with a captive audience

This is Pug

A little work in the magical mystery cave

Russell Chandler test driving

Here we go

The Flackmobile and the 32 heading back to Marshall

Second Saturday in Marshall, Texas 5-14-11

2011-05-16T21:35:00.001-05:00


Janice Williams & Jim Quinn cruising in the 32

A row of Packards and the Old Harrison County Courthouse

Who is that standing by the Flackmobile?

Pretty maids all in a row


The beginning of the courthouse tour

Dan Hall giving some history of Whetstone Square

Wendell Hawkins ready and waiting for the tour to begin

The tour begins

Original or (NOS) marble from the 1901 construction.

Everyone is looking and listening - Eli must think he's in church

Picture taken out of a 3rd story window in the courthouse

A quick visit to the Marshall Depot

Crowds of people late afternoon

Packard Field Reporting by the Flackmaster (April 15 & 16, 2011)

2011-04-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

April Destination – Bakersfield, CA HCCA Swap Meet, April 15-16, 2011

    The Bakersfield Pre-war Swap Meet has been heralded as the Chickasha of the West. This meet is sponsored by the HCCA is held annually at the Bakersfield County fairgrounds. My good friend Don Hoke, also known as Honest Don, proprietor of Honest Don’s Used Steam Car Emporium in Dallas, had wanted to go to this swap meet for several years, so when American Airlines reduced the fare to $99 each way in/out of LAX, plans were made to attend. Not without a few sidetrips, of course, since we were in the neighborhood...
    Arriving Thursday morning we were met by Eric Toce at the rent-a-car facility looking to hitch a ride with us. What? Eric Toce in California? Indeed, as explanation for the cancellation/delay of the Cajun Cruise, Eric was scheduled for surgery that week, however, his surgeon in Lafayette declared Eric’s condition “inoperable”. Well, not exactly, seems the surgeon had something better to do than cure Eric, and has referred Eric to a different surgeon who allowed a “three day pass” prior to surgery. What better way to spend it than in the Car Guy mecca of Southern California with Don and I. We saw so many cars, people and parts it is still hard to believe all the ground we covered, so I will summarize the highlights as follows -
    Thursday Morning – Jay Leno’s “Big Dog” Garage. No dogs, and Jay wasn’t there. But....cars, motorcycles, tractors, gas/electric/steam engines, complete workshop with tools (large, small, new, old, etc).   If you want to save yourself the trip, virtual tours are available on the internet, but there is no substitution for being there for the under the hood look and guided insight from the men who work there. Packards seen – 32 Twin Six Coupe, 47 Custom Super sedan, 55 Caribbean Convertible and a newly restored 1912 model 30 and 1915 Model 48, both recently acquired from the estate of the original owners. Both Randy Ema restorations...perfection.
    Thursday afternoon we made a quick run over to The Nethercutt, however the Salon tour was not being given that day. Afterwards we visited a restoration shop with (only) three Packards, 31 845 Roadster, 33 V12 Dietrich LWB Formal Limo, and a 41-160 touring sedan. These three Packards were in good company of about 30 other cars, including a 32 Pierce Arrow, 25 Duesenberg Model A, Lincolns, Chryslers, and the reason for our visit, a 1904 British steam car. Oh, and another fully equipped shop that “can do” anything from a horn button spring to a custom front bumper for Mr. Disney’s personal Ford van...
    Friday we headed for Bakersfield for the swap meet. The drive up was extremely interesting as we traversed the green hills and valleys above the Los Angeles area to the dry flatlands at and near Bakersfield. The swap meet was probably great for those seeking Model T parts, however truth be told, there were probably more Stanley Steamer parts than Packard parts, so we loaded up the truck with about 300 lbs of Stanley parts for Don which were freighted back to Dallas. Along with a few Packard bits...anybody need a pair of gorgeous V12 headgaskets?
    Done with Bakersfield by mid-afternoon, we were back on the car tour of the LA area, stopping a private collection of a few dozen mostly European cars joined by a Tucker. A Tucker? Well, not just any Tucker....Preston Tucker’s Tucker in Waltz Blue, his wife’s favorite dress color.   The current owner has devoted an entire room/display for this particular Tucker, recently acquired from the estate of the man who bought it from Mrs. Tucker along with enough historical documentation, spare parts, showroom displays, and of course Tucker movie memorabilia to stage a one-car museum....breathtaking. We were definitely ready for Happy Hour when we were through there. But it wasn’t over yet. After dinner we went to the weekly cruise-in at the Hollywood Bob’s Big Boy. Another mind boggling display of car culture, everything from a Model T field car, (David Stewart style...bare seat springs, no top, rust colored metal and a California or bust sign on the back...), to the most modern of street rods and custom motorcycles. And a Porsche tractor...
    Saturday morning we were able to schedule the Salon Tour at the Nethercutt for Honest Don and Eric, while I stayed behind to prepare the prior days parts pile for shipment – one pallet of parts to Honest Don’s, and another pallet with a Packard Factory Rebuilt short block headed to the bayou for a Packard in need. Yes, you can still get factory rebuilt short blocks if you know who to ask. With Eric and Don nearly at overdose levels of car steroids from The Nethercutt, we spent a very few minutes at a National Mopar show – no Packards, but if you like muscle cars...so we then did a quick walk through at yet another car cruise-in at the California Car Cover factory. Mopars outnumbered everything else, likely due to the nearby event, however so many more cars...so little time...California is really one big car guy neighborhood.
    Sunday, our departure day, but still more Packards to see, this time a private collection including a 32 Twin Six phaeton, a 37 V-12 Club Sedan, a 34 V12 formal sedan, a 47 Super Clipper, a 53 Patrician (factory air of course), a 48 Custom 8 fastback, a 56-400 and a 56 Caribbean Convertible and Hardtop too. And yes, finally, a 37-120 Convertible Coupe. Having finally seen enough cars (not to mention a very scary 59 Chrysler Imperial, a 13K mile 85 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, and a very worn out 280zx...), we Finally, Finally did the right thing and went to the beach. Just to say we had. Then we headed to LAX for the trip home. Real easy trip, slept all the way.

35th Annual LeTourneau Car Show - April 16 & 17, 2011

2011-04-19T11:58:00.001-05:00

Question: Why is a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL on a Packard site?
Answer: Because Ark-La-Tex Packard member David Temple owns it.

Two Letourneau alumni catch up on college days - Nelson Bates & Dewayne Everitt

Seated L to R - Nelson Bates, Dewayne Everitt, Norma Bates & Lois Everitt

Terry and Melanie McKnight's beauty - 1950 Packard Deluxe Sedan

The "Flackmobile"

1940 Packard Body Builders Chassis Drawing

2011-04-13T15:27:00.003-05:00

A special thanks to Jim Hollingsworth for the use of this image

The "Flackmobile" in the Movies

2011-04-11T14:23:00.003-05:00

In 1956 famed B-movie Director Willie "The Wimp" Stokes filmed this masterpiece in Uncertain, Texas. A beautiful 1937 Packard is used in the backdrop. This is the only known footage to exist of his silent era.

Packard Field Reporting by the Flackmaster (March 2011)

2011-04-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Ark-La-Tex members on the move, March 2011.

    The Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha, OK (pronounced Chick-a-saw per the Chickasha Indian Nation public relations representative), annually holds one of the larger swap meets devoted to pre-war cars/parts. For this reason, magnetic forces drew several Ark-la-tex members there March 17-19th.   Of course, where parts are concerned, getting there early is a priority. Former President Bates and the Flackmaster arrived first, followed by David Stewart and Alex McCommas later in the day. As is typical, the sun was shining and the cold dry wind was blowing.   The good news is over half the swap meet is indoors, which really adds to the comfort of the event. Comfort aside, its parts we after...and parts we found. Nothing important was on the must-have or must find list, however, with Nelson stocking up on pistles and jack-me-quicks and the Flackmaster ever watchful for the rare bit, the day was not lost.   And with only one wrong turn, neither were we. Will we return next year to see the same guys with the same parts? Of course...lest we might miss out on something. ((note to Todd – your Dad had the camera...)

Salado – end of the month....
Just a few of my comments to add to the whole writeup...

    Bluebonnets in bloom represent a welcome sight on the way to Salado. Annual Bluebonnets, Annual Salado. Not always the same cars and the same people, but the majority are, and it is a real comfort to enjoy being with this group every spring. Ember and I arrived Friday afternoon at exactly the same time as Johnny and Eric Toce, and we were met by Todd Bates directing traffic on the north side of the parking lot. Over in the shade, David Stewart was attending to a balky fuel pump on the ‘25 while many of the rest of the folks were dusting off their cars after the 99 mile tour. All reports were that the Friday tour was one of the best ever.   Final Friday registrations were being handled over in the Conference center just as Happy Hour was getting underway. In my observation, the premium seating was behind the hotel office with rocking chairs, shade and just a few worldly Packard problems to be resolved before dinner.
    Saturday morning began with Eric unloading my minivan full of Packard parts in the shade behind the front row of showcars.   Thank you, Eric. This was the first time, ever, I have imitated a vendor of parts. Ember assisted my endeavor, complete with sun umbrella hat and gift wrapping services. “Even dirty old parts gotta look good”, said Ember. I will admit to only moderate success as Salado, to my experience, has never been much of a swap meet. By noon, with my swap meet adventure winding down, it was time to pack up, have a snack, and get ready to moderate the tech sessions. This year, Terry Weiss discussed starters and carburetors and Russell Chandler discussed driveline maintenance and fielded questions on everything from the proper gear lube to engine oil pathways. Russell was (finally) awarded his Packard Master Mechanic certification by Nelson Bates, “...complete with all the rights, honors and responsibilities such certification entails.” Or something like that, Nelson pontificated. Amen to that.
    After the tech sessions, Ember and I departed without saying good-bye to anyone as we were behind schedule, needing to get back to Dallas for an evening obligation. On the way back to Dallas, I specifically noted to Ember that I enjoyed every minute we were at Salado. As did she.

April – headed for California next week...report to follow....DAF

34th Annual Texas Packard Meet at Salado 2011

2011-04-05T16:11:00.002-05:00

Gorgeous 53 Packard on Pacific Beach Boardwalk

2011-03-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

Great Video of some "Packard Travels"

2011-03-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

Click Here to Watch "Packard Travels"

The Caribbean Cruise - PI Membership Meet 2011

2011-02-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

Dateline 0600 January 27, 2011 - Representatives Eric Toce and The Flackmaster began the trek to California for the Packards International membership meet in Orange, California.   The first order of business was to conquer a very tight schedule in LA traffic to visit the Nethercutt Collection for an appointment to participate in the Salon Tour. Luckily, the flight arrived a few minutes early, and the carpool lanes cooperated – we even had time for a quick detour to the golden arches. The tour lasts two hours and includes not only the automobiles showcased in a late 20’s period designed showroom, but also the personal collections of the Nethercutt family; furniture, music boxes, watches, art and many many unique antiques. Notable Packards in the collection include a 34 Lebaron phaeton, 41 Lebaron Sport Sedan, 34 V12 Convertible Sedan, 39 V12 Formal Sedan, and a 56 Caribbean convertible. Oh, and the 20 Grand Duesenberg....
    After the tour, we rendezvoused with local friends and visited 2 smaller restoration shops, one having a 37-120 Conv. Coupe that has been resurrected from fire damage, and another where a 38 Super 8 formal sedan lay eviscerated down to its bare metal skin. We enjoyed a home cooked Italian meal with the owner of a 37 Packard, concluding with homemade limonchello. Thereafter, having been provided the family recipe for same, we picked fresh lemons from the tree in the yard. Whoever said when life gives you lemons, make lemonade never sampled homemade limonchello.
    Friday, January 28, 2011 began with an appointment for a private tour of the William Lyon collection. Mere words cannot convey the impression of having 10 Duesenbergs in an equally impressive building, so I will remark of the Darrin, Lebaron, Dietrich, Derham and Rollson Packards also in the Collection. The blue 34 Lebaron roadster, 745 factory speedster, golden 40 180 Darrin, 39 V12 Derham Phaeton, 39 V12 armored Presidential parade car, 35 Dietrich phaeton, etc. etc. etc. Eric appeared to prefer the Darrin, but really – how can one choose? Most of the 50 or so cars are of the classic era, however, one more modern car absolutely stunned my automotive senses – a 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ-2 factory competition racecar. The TZ-2 at first glance looks like a 8/10 scale Ferrari GTO. Fantastic. Never seen one before, and probably never will again. Well, maybe next year...
     We took the curator (full time for 2 employees) to lunch, then made a few quick parts hunting stops (Egge Machine, Best Gaskets) before cruising over to Custom Auto Service which specializes in Packards. The employees were very busy preparing cars for the show on Saturday – a 34 Super 8 phaeton still had its cylinder head off, while waxes and polishes were being applied to the rest of the pack. At one point we found ourselves (lost) in the back rooms of parts – simply an unbelievable cache.   Eventually, Eric grabbed a ride in a 41 Lebaron Limo back to the hotel, where cars and trailers had begun to assemble for the show on Saturday. Did I mention the weather was mid-seventies and clear skies?
    Saturday, January 29, 2011 Show Day – Perfect weather for a Caribbean themed show. At least 15 Caribbeans, albeit no 55. Tops down, windows open and hoods up. About 60 show prepared Packards. Another day of Packards - Lebarons, Darrins, Dietrichs, Hercules, Cantrell and even a Brewster.   So overwhelming was the show, Eric (appropriately wearing his Ark-La-Tex Packards T-shirt) and I retreated to Seal Beach for couple hours to decompress.   Too many Packards, too little time. We went to dinner that evening with a dozen friends including Kevin Waltman of Packardinfo.com fame.
    Sunday, January 30, 2011 – the swap meet begins in the pre-dawn darkness. The offerings vary, and while 1937 parts were a bit thin, I did manage to pick out a few choice items for my collection, the most interesting being a NOS set (well almost a set, only 15) of 1931 thru 1939 roller tipped rocker arms for the early 8 cylinder engines. Even Johnny Toce benefitted, now having a Packard embroidered jacket for her wardrobe. By mid-morning, the weather turned cloudy, and when a light drizzle started at 11am, it marked the end of our attendance, and we headed back to the airport for flights home.

Respectfully Submitted,
Eric Toce and David Flack.

PS – on behalf of the Club, we made several invitations to friends for the Cajun Cruise, however we had no date to provide...

Packard Field Reporting by the Flackmaster (12-2010 to 1-2011)

2011-02-02T10:56:00.002-06:00

Flack’s Fodder for the period is as follows -

December/January Report -

Expedition to Mena – EARLY morning December 4th, under cover of darkness, members of the Ark-La-Tex Packards expeditionary forces mounted an assault into barns, sheds and outbuildings atop a mountain in Mena, Arkansas. Led by Russell and Terry, baited with legend and reconnaissance by Nelson and The Flackmaster several weeks prior, the mission to secure the remaining Packard parts from Don Rook’s estate was underway by 5 am. Armed with two trucks with trailers and a 24ft box truck, we made it to the designated coordinates by 8am, and in the ensuing hours Packard parts were segregated from Chrysler parts, personal possessions, random fixtures, entanglements and the errant critters/insects. By dusk, the mission was successful and we were darned hungry. We secured 5 engines, 4 front clips, boxes and boxes of parts, and enough hubcaps to stretch from Longview to East Grand Boulevard. It is hoped that some of these parts will wind up on members vehicles.

Holiday Party at Billy and Cleburne’s – As reported herein, Ember Flack donned here apron and, with the assistance from all the members, commandeered Billy and Cleburne’s kitchen to put together the Holiday Dinner. From the scuttlebut, gossip and voiced opinions, “a good time was had by all”. Thank you once again to Billy and Cleburne for hosting this year, though on personal note, I missed hearing Toby on the piano with her accompanying chorus. Former President Bates gave his final speech as our leader, complete with a joke I still don’t understand. Must have to have been from Mississippi. (?) About half the members present participated in the first annual gift exchange. The most stolen gift was a pair of Packard coffee mugs (with Jim Hollingsworth being in the center of the action), and heaviest gift being a floor jack finally being claimed by Wendall Spreadbury. Yes, a floor jack. I believe replete in red paint demonstrating its holiday spirit. Surprise guest of honor was Kevin Waltman, website owner of the wildly popular www.packardinfo.com in town to proclaim The Word of Packard to anyone who would listen...or log in. The website is free and hosts the largest database of Packard information (manuals, brochures, service bulletins, parts lists, etc) on the web and is free. Free. www.Packardinfo.com

Packarding in Florida - Later in December Ember and I traveled to Florida to attend my nephew’s graduation from Florida Atlantic University. His Bachelors degree in Accounting was awarded Magna Cum Laude and he is continuing his studies to gain a Master’s in Tax within 3 semesters. I report this as the trip included a side trip to deliver a Packard window switch to one of his neighbors. On other occasions, I have dispatched my nephew on missions to support his local Packard activity. TPO.

Remedial Woodgraining – A term coined at last years Salado woodgraining training session, Ember woodgrained dashboard pieces for Eric Toce which were later delivered to Chad by Nelson & Warren Bates for clearcoat application. Now back in Eric’s hands, he reports progress in putting his car back together in anticipation of its trip to the paint booth. Pictures please, Eric. Stay tuned.

Stay Tuned – The first meaning being of utmost importance to your Packard, my observation is if you are thinking of having Russell do any work on your Packard prior to Salado, you better get your name on the list, fast. At my latest count, there were 2 Packards at Russell’s now (Bill Shipp’s 51 and Stewart’s 53), final work being done on Nelson’s 40 Sedan, and at least 2 more already on the wait list, including my ‘37, last seen in Marshall, TX with the heater on full. You may think its January and not Packard weather, but come Packard weather, do you want your car in the shop, or ready to go? This commercial message not a paid endorsement. Who else are you gonna TRUST with your Packard?

Upcoming Events – The Cajun Cruise, 2011. I know this is going to be a great weekend - Be there, or be sorry....that means you this time.

Well, I gotta go pack now – headed to the Packards International membership meet in southern California. I am meeting Eric Toce at DFW and from there, its gonna be All Packards All the Tiime for then next 3 days. Report to follow...

Stay Tuned,

The Flackmaster

"The Arrival" 1932 Packard 900 Light Eight 11-21-10

2010-12-06T11:43:00.002-06:00

Anxiously awaiting the arrival at 9:00am on a Sunday morning - South Carolina to Texas

Can you please hurry up?


Ark-La-Tex Packard member Jim Quinn standing next to his Packard.

The Unloading

The 900 on Texas soil

A sight for sore eyes

An interior shot of the 900

The 900 is safely home

CCCA Grand Classic Waxahachie, Texas for October 16, 2010

2010-10-28T13:44:00.002-05:00

From L to R - Russell Chandler, Nelson Bates, Mathew Rattray, Noel Shorter and Norma Bates

Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie was constructed in 1897 by architect J. Riely Gordon.
Does it look familiar?
This is the same architect that designed the Harrison County Courthouse in Marshall.

The Historic Rogers Hotel is on the NE corner of the square.
Patrons could sleep on the rooftop during summer months, and there was a natatorium in the basement.
Northern baseball teams like the The Detroit Lions and Chicago White Sox would winter here.
We just did what we do best - eat lunch.

Mathew Rattray and his doppelganger Packard Caribbean. He owns one like it Down Under.

From L to R - Nelson and Norma Bates, Jim Hollingsworth, Russell and Tobi Chandler and the Flackmaster.

No stranger to Pebble Beach - Jim Hollingsworth's 1940 Packard 180 Club Sedan

Also no stranger to Pebble Beach - 1940 Packard 1807 Darrin Convertible Sedan - Hilda & Steve Chapman

Trip to Hershey part 4

2010-10-21T11:43:00.003-05:00

The End of Hershey for 2010
The Brownstone Cafe in Middleton, Pennsylvania - Great lunch at the end of Hershey
What the non-car nut wants
Have you ever seen an ATM on wheels?
Packard Adonis - Sliding Boy

Trip to Hershey part 3

2010-10-21T11:28:00.004-05:00

People making deals
Staggering after a long day of walking on the Hershey grounds
Droves of people in the car corral
Nelson Bates with a long lost love - 1938 Bantam
Eric Toce having a good time after a day with "The Packard Parts Hound" Flackmaster

Trip to Hershey part 2

2010-10-21T11:04:00.004-05:00

Bates Clan - James, Warren, Nelson & Todd
Nelson Bates at "Car Mecca"
Scenic drive heading to Hershey
The Casselman Inn in Grantsville, Maryland - Annual food stop on the way to Hershey
Tree thru Dodge (close up)

Trip to Hershey part 1

2010-10-21T10:59:00.004-05:00

Tree thru Dodge
Avant-garde yard art on loan from the Museum of Iron Oxide
1915 Apperson Jackrabbit - Have you ever seen one?
Nelson Bates and Warren Bates in front of the NASA facility in West Virginia
1932 Packard 900 Light Eight

"The Cajun Cruise" May 21st & 22nd (part 2)

2010-07-19T13:53:00.005-05:00

Leaving Lafayette, Louisiana
Terri and Melanie Mcknight
Russell and Tobi Chandler

Lunch in Lecompte
Established in 1928 in Lecompte, Louisiana Lea’s has been a traditional place to stop not only for Louisiana residents but for visitors from all over the world. Lea’s has been featured on numerous TV shows and in magazines, newspapers and tour guides throughout the United States to the delight of old customers and for the discovery of new customers.

"The Cajun Cruise" May 21st & 22nd

2010-07-19T13:39:00.004-05:00

Lunch at Cafe Jefferson
Its glassed-in porch, nestled in a grove of a dozen ancient live oaks, offers a breath-taking view of the gardens and Lake Peigneur.
Joseph Jefferson Mansion in New Iberia, La.
Built in 1870 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a twenty-two room Southern mansion, with a fourth-story cupola. Jefferson sited it among 350-year-old-oak trees high atop the salt dome, at an elevation of 75 feet above sea level - almost unheard of in the coastal areas of south Louisiana.

Johnny Toce in the kitchen
C'est La Vie
Arrival at the Gardens

Texas Packard Meet - Salado, Texas 2010 - Part 5

2010-04-07T14:34:00.001-05:00

Lalique CHRYSIS Nude Hood Ornament on a 1939 Packard Twelve

Texas Packard Meet - Salado, Texas 2010 - Part 4

2010-04-07T14:32:00.001-05:00

I'm partial to this car.

Texas Packard Meet - Salado, Texas 2010 - Part 3

2010-04-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

L to R - Tobi, Russell, Nelson and Norma
http://www.walburgrestaurant.net/
World Famous German Walburg Restaurant
Walburg, Texas 78673
USA
Phyllis enjoying the cuisine
Herman and Greta the Gorilla

Texas Packard Meet - Salado, Texas 2010 - Part 2

2010-04-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

Woodgraining Tech session with "The Flackmaster"

Texas Packard Meet - Salado, Texas 2010 - Part 1

2010-04-07T14:14:00.000-05:00

1941 Packard Clipper

2010-03-06T16:46:00.001-06:00

James Hollingsworth of Dallas, Texas owns this 1941 Packard Clipper which is equipped with factory air conditioning, heater, and radio. He restored the car after getting a second opportunity to own it in 2005; Jim first purchased the Clipper in 1979 and then sold it in 1980. (Photo courtesy of James Hollingsworth)

1947 Packard Clipper

2010-03-05T16:03:00.000-06:00

Cruise Night at Pat's Diner in Longview, Texas on March 4, 2010 brought out a few Packards. Among them was Chuck Conrad's 1947 Clipper four-door sedan.

1935 Packard Super Eight 4-dr. convertible

2010-03-01T21:13:00.000-06:00

This 1935 Packard Super Eight four-door Dietrich custom body convertible was displayed at the annual car show held inside Harvey Hall at Tyler, Texas Feb. 20-21, 2010. It is owned by Alex McCommas and Jerry Ball.

Old Harrison County Courthouse in Marshall, Texas

2010-02-17T15:01:00.001-06:00

The Victorian courthouses of Texas symbolized the aspirations of a new breed of Americans bent on civilizing a vast frontier. Collectively, the thirty-two surviving structures in the state's 254 counties are remainders of a time when big government was at the county level and when the courthouse square served as the hub for all merchant and much religious and social activity. Harrison County's 1901 courthouse, designed by noted architect J. Riely Gordon, is one of the finest surviving examples of the Renaissance Revival style in the Lone Star State.

Car: 1937 Packard 115C Convertible Coupe

The MADI Art Wall in Marshall, Texas

2010-02-17T14:36:00.000-06:00

Definition: MADI is a modern art movement known for bright colors and bold geometric forms. In architecture, sculpture, and painting, MADI art uses abundant circles, waves, spheres, arches, spirals, and stripes.

The word MADI may have originated in letters taken from the name CarMelo ArDen QuIn, the Argentinan artist who founded the MADI movement in the 1940s. Or, perhaps the term comes from the English word MAD or from the Spanish description of the MADI movement: Movimiento Artistico De Invencion.

Pronunciation: mah-DEE

Cars: 1940 Packard 110 Business Coupe
1937 Packard 115C Convertible Coupe

1940 Packard 120

2010-02-07T14:26:00.000-06:00

This 1940 Packard has come a long way since it was pulled from the weeds near Texarkana, AR where it had sat for decades. It will soon receive new upholstery and hub caps.

Packard trio

2010-02-07T14:23:00.000-06:00

(Foreground) 1940 Packard 110, (center) 1940 Packard 120 both owned by Nelson Bates; (far end) 1937 Packard 115C owned by David Flack

1930 Packard Model 726

2010-02-07T14:18:00.000-06:00

Here's a project! Even in this condition, this Packard still retains its expression of 1930s elegance.

This is just funny!

2010-01-06T15:21:00.000-06:00

1956 Packard Caribbean concept car

2009-10-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

This 1956 Packard Caribbean concept car was photographed at the AACA Museum in early Oct. 2009. (Photos by Ken Mendelson; used with permission)

Packard Limo

2009-10-21T15:09:00.001-05:00

Packard Mural

2009-09-20T22:13:00.001-05:00

This large mural (top photo) is one of many interesting displays at the C.R. Smith Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas. The pictured automobile is a specially-bodied 1939 Packard 8-door limousine used by American Airlines at the airport in St. Louis, Missouri.

The illustrious leader of the Ark-La-Tex Packard Club, Nelson Bates, appears to be mesmerized by former astronaut Buzz Aldrin who gave a 30-minute lecture at the museum prior to signing copies of his new book, "Magnificent Desolation." Aldrin was a member of the Apollo 11 crew and the second man to walk on the moon following Neil Armstrong twenty minutes after the latter made his "one small step" and "one giant leap for mankind" on July 20, 1969. Bates at that time worked for General Electric and was assigned to the Apollo program.

Packard Cars Down Under

2009-09-15T16:46:00.000-05:00

T.J. Richards body on a Packard frame
A 34 getting redone after the car was caught in a bush fire outside of Melbourne.

Marshall Cruise Night, 8-8-09

2009-09-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

Ark-La-Tex Packard Club member Russell Chandler brought North Texas Packard Club member David Flack's 1937 Packard convertible to the Marshall Cruise Night. Nelson Bates drove his 1940 model to the gathering, too. The Marshall Cruise Night is held the second Saturday of each month from May to October.

1941 Packard 120 Club Coupe

2009-09-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

This 1941 Packard 120 Club Sedan formerly owned by James Hollingsworth is equipped with factory air conditioning. A/C became available on Packards the prior model year.

1940 Packard 110 Sedan

2009-09-06T19:32:00.001-05:00

Todd Bates owns this original 1940 Packard 110 Sedan. It is undergoing a mechanical restoration.

This is an original decal on the 1940 Packard 110 Sedan with Packard's well-known slogan, "Ask the man who owns one." I guess the company's ad agency did not anticipate the man who owns several!

Chuck Conrad's Place 8-22-09

2009-08-28T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ark-La-Tex Packard member Chuck Conrad hosted the meeting for the month of August.
A special thank you to all involved.