How is summer already over?  Didn't get much done on cars, but the stuff that I did do; may be followed up with pictures and how to articles.

The car show season has come and gone; and it's now time to catch up on the maintenance we've put off all year. I'm planning on getting one car ready for painting, and get a new front suspension and clutch set in my '61 Studebaker.

What are your projects and plans for the winter?

Long overdue, but new happenings around the shop....

Whew, holidays are over, I think we're all alive for the most part! Hope ya'll had a good time relaxing and enjoying time with your families.

The cars are doing well, progress is crawling on the '62 lately, but it's progress. Reupholstered the back of my wagon, pics are to follow. Plate and registration arrived for the '52 Commander, so I'm obviously spending more time with that. The '14 Model T Ford is home, and patiently awaiting more tinkering time.

Bigger things happening. My Packard is going to be parted out (Ducks for cover). As much as I like it, and have a vision for it, I just don't see it in my long term plans. So, some of it's parts will be stashed, some sold, and some, like it's heavy duty finned brakes, rear sway bar, ect; will live in my station wagon. The power steering and power brakes will go into the '52.  I'm chasing a few other cars, a R2 Avanti and a '63 Daytona convertible.

So how about you guys? Whats poppin' around your places?

A appendage to a few composition errors in "Imagine...."

Next time I'll hit the "preview" button first!

In 1957, to ya'll that don't know (Or care) Packard, then part of the Studebaker Corp., (Long story there) Only build one model of cars; the Clippers. It was offered a 4 door sedan, called the "Town sedan" (Mine). Then there is the rare and desirable 4 door station wagon, called the "Country sedan".

In 1956 there was several models offered; Clippers, Carribeans, "The 400", etc.

The Carribeans were very very nice cars, so my vision: What if Packard build a Carribean convertible, in 1957?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

Imagine....

So, imagine, if Packard in 1957 built a Carribean. They did in 1956, and as a Convertible. I believe there was only 276 built, gorgeous cars!

Well, lets just say, Studebaker-Packard (S-P) built one in 1957. Hmmmmm. That would be one heck of a car! The whole car would be white and turqouise, full wide white walls, dual rear antenna's with dual Appleton spotlights, twin superchargers (Because the '57 Clipper had just one, and there was no bigger engine size in '57), etc. Also go with '56 Carribean style seats, with the dual upholstery options, power front seat with power windows (Doh, it was a top of the line option from S-P in '57).

Long summer!

Whew, the first fall storm of the year in my area has hit, and what a doozy! It marks the official end of my summer, thankfully. Cars didn't make hardly any progress this year, but some new developments! Registration should be on the way for our '52 Studebaker; plans are emerging for my 1957 Packard Clipper after I complete my dad's '62 Studebaker. I have a 1914 Ford Model T waiting at a friends house for me to pick up as well! Lots of fun and work ahead of me, looking forward to all this.

On the Packard, a great debate has set up shop in my mind. Should I go with...

A: Rebuild it as a "what if" S-P offered something to compete with the then new Ranchero?

B: Rebuild as a 4 door convertible, with suicide rear doors. A la la '66 Lincoln style.

C: Rebuilt on a shorter platform, or be shortened, as a two door convertible; to be compared against similer "brand X" cars?

D: Should the said convertible idea's incorporate the rear fins of a '58 Clipper, with '57 side trim, to go with a "factory concept/show car" idea?

Boy am I tired!

Sheesh, been nuts around here lately. Through all of it though, I have done some neat stuff to the wagon (my baby BTW) It has bucket seats up front, mostly finished carpet, ect. Working on finishing up a sound system install as well. I have new front coils sitting on my floor as I type as well (I can't wait to feel the ride when those are in!!).

Clueless

Yea, about the title thing. To be honest, I have no clue about what I'm really wanting to talk about, or what I want to name it. I DO want to talk about my car, but what of it? Hmmmm. The semi rats nest for radio speaker wiring? (Not really that bad, but it's not perfect, so I instantly need to "change" it.) How about the duct tape deluxe seat upholstery (Just the front by the way). Non perfect carpet, non perfect ANYTHING! Oh, wait, I forgot, there is a perfect rust hole in the rear quarter panel, and just my luck that I own one of the extreme few Studebakers that the rear fenders just so happen DO NOT bolt off! *sigh* So much to whine about, but to what end? Ok guys, lets face it. Our cars aren't ever perfect. Never. That's right, you heard me! In fact, to prove it, go get me a "flawless" show car. I can guarantee you I will find at least ONE thing that isn't perfect. You know, lets just show our cars, regardless. After all, they are true history! Each of these rattle traps on wheels has a story to tell; and each is significant, regardless how big or small. Lets share the story, and add to it! They our are time machines to the every day life of yesteryear; and what is more fun than bringing a smile to a person who remembers something because of these cars?

Well, that's my rant for tonight. Take care ya'll, and God bless!