My question is if last production on 54 bodies was Sept 16, how long did it take them to complete those cars before the line was torn up.

How did they transport the bodies from Conner to E Grand and how often? Just wondering when they finished a body did they go over in a bunch and wait to be assembled or was it more like todays just in time thing.

With O_D's varying Briggs tag vs Packard data, would suspect a bunch at a time like maybe a weeks worth but then how much storage was at E Grand and then with some numbers right on, maybe only one or two on a truck as completed went.

Kepich and Klass are the same. Some negative reviews but I also bought a dual system for my 56 from Kepich (Klass). With exception of one bend being slightly off which made the heat riser valve not bolt tight, no other problems. As 39super8 said, not worth sending back. The slight bend problem was easily and inexpensively corrected by a local shop.

I seem to recall a picture showing the last but can't find it. According to Dawes, pg 123 Sept 16, 1954 was the last 54 body off line at Connor and first 55 drove out of there on Nov 17, 1954. I would guess that would make early Oct the last Grand Ave cars so they could finish the built 54 bodies and then move equipt.

I'd be concerned the vacuum may not be able to handle the carpet droppings--unless one of the rusted spots could be left untouched for that contingency.

I doubt even in Packards heyday, you'd have found any ladies on the wall except maybe in the washroom--Conservative Packard, remember--graffiti maybe, grime surely. One of the first things Nance had done upon arrival was paint. Think one of the articles mentioned some of the place hadn't been painted since original construction.

For the price, I'd grab it. You can always paint it to match & secure with something if needed until something better comes along.

I'm wondering if there is an error in parts book. If you have a 5482 or 5485, there is a separate listing for a handle for use with stamped seat--yet the same part number is listed as for all the others and I believe that is the standard one you have.

I suspect this may fall into the "things are different for that model Clipper" problem Kev has run into many times. From your picture, I suspect you may need this type handle which packardsl has on his ebay store currently or at least something very similar.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1955-Packard-Clipper-Seat-Knob-Green-469059-NOS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4a939b0854QQitemZ320303990868QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

What a nice thing to have your dads book back home.

Wonder if the jack might have been something they picked up with the merger or Stude body. No mention in the 55 or 56 accessories but is shown in the 57 acc catalog.

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Welcome and we do have a mod forum and several others with some significant changes to their cars so don't think too many will have an issue.

The housings were very prone to rust so originals are scarce but you might be able to find a serviceable one used. David Moe at Seattle Packards maybe or Mike Dulinsky (although I think he's mostly V8). Otherwise, the SoCal region of Packards International has repro cast brass for less than Kanters price. They don't have an online store and these prices may be out of date but an email via their merchants policy will work.http://www.packards-today.com/catalog.php?CID=7

I guess art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder. Until recent budget cuts, there was a city spray truck and paint crew that went around neighborhoods taking care of similar pieces that other artists created in the night. Of course, this from someone who would not have paid a dollar for a painting of a soup can either.