[Bad Rat]

That X-member will most likely have to be modified ( through the center) to accommodate an automatic transmission, but thats no big deal,
on removing the body,, you could build a carriage ( wheeled cart) to mount the body on that will hold it in shape and rigid, making it much easier to do body and fab work,
The 36 chev we built also had a wood structure, mostly rotten, we replaced the main support between the firewall to the rear quarters with steel tubing, and mounted the body on a rotisserie with beams underneith, worked out great,
it all depends on how you want to build the car,, but its definately best to do it right the first time,,

we use a Lincoln Versaie (sic) /R/E disc brake and narrow, but also hard to find, Ford Granada is the same,, late 70's but they have a high gear ratio,

[Bad Rat]

Brian,,,
I was thinking they were more like a ford,, "should have known better"

Looks like they are pretty much already boxed,, but to get a V8 in there , its going to require some mods to that X member, which is no big deal, just create a channel through the middle,
those chassis's look they could be used under a "abrams" tank,

[Jagatai]

Brian-

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking/hoping the same thing. Are we going to have any issues with the engine mounts if we go with the LS1? It is a 6 bolt.

Here is the best pic I have so far of our frame...

[Bad Rat]

A LS1 should fit like a glove,, and yes the mounts are a bit different than the old SBC but adapters are available,

[Jagatai]

I feel pretty strongly we will go this route.

Will we need to modify the floor boards to get the tranny in do you think? Or will we be able to keep the interior relatively untouched?

[Bad Rat]

This is the trans and floorboards on the 36,, your Packard is probly pretty close to the same size,

[Jagatai]

I will have to get a good picture of the floor boards next week when I am working on it. We are taking this week off as Dad is taking a little trip to look at a couple other cars.

[Jagatai]

Originally Posted by Bad Rat

This is the trans and floorboards on the 36,, your Packard is probly pretty close to the same size,

So you encased the whole floor in sheet metal? Looks like you did a fantastic job! We are looking to restore the ones we have back to wood I believe.

[Jagatai]

Removed the running boards, rear fenders, and dropped the gas tank. Mechanicals are next. My camera battery died before I could get pictures of the interior floor boards so I will get them when we get going this weekend.

Looks so different with all the curves pulled off. Pictures at www.my36packard.net.

Jag