Make sure the battery/starter cable is snug at the starter and battery. I almost roasted the battery/starter cable due to a loose connection.

Another opinion, I agree with Bob that it is a noble cause; however having done a project or two, I also agree with Flackmaster. I'd guess the restoration cost of this car will exceed $100K unless you can do a high percentage of the work using your personal facilities and your own labor. Doing it with your own labor and if auto body, mechanics and upholstery are your profession and you have the facilities and tools, I'd guess well over 2000 hours, maybe 3000 hours. From a timing point of view, with a $100K to spend I'd guess 2 years, doing it yourself maybe 3-5 years. There are lots of other senior Packards that may deserve your devotion. Best wishes on your endeavor.

Max Merritt (and I'm sure others) offer a reproduction black air duct product that I've successfully used in the past without the clamps. Good luck.

Kev,
Happy Birthday and thanks for your leadership.
All the best,
Mike

Links:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1626

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=4696

There were several recent 1955/56 Caribbean (2014-2015) sales by Mecum. You can view their website results by completing the "Sign Up" info. The click the red "Search" box. You can then complete the info required to complete a search.

I'd check the auction results and then adjust for the work that will need to be done to the car. Here's the RM Sothebys list for many years:

http://www.rmsothebys.com/results/result.cfm?feature=No&category=Cars&year=&sort=make&view=list&SaleCode=&fromYear=1955&toYear=1956&lot=&make=Packard&model1=&submit=Search

Good luck

The following original dealer issued Packard Owner's Policy documents are yours for free if you can produce a snapshot of the dataplate that goes with the following:

2677-5371
2672-9732
2652-2917
5687-2953

Send a PM with your photo.

All the best,

mlgrimes

If own a 1956 model with pushbutton transmission control, check the relay that prevents engagement of the transmission in reverse while moving forward. It is a small aluminum can that bears a resemblance to a toy top mounted horizontally under the car inside the frame rail on the driver's side near the transmission. Good luck.

There are a number of upholstery shops who are capable of recreating a 1955 Caribbean interior. SMS and others offer similar leather. The original leather is much thicker that most of the samples today. Additionally there is the challenge of the clear/silver piping around the front seat frame seat. Bolsters also need to be built up on the seat cushions. The great news is that there are lots of photos on this website and other places that a good trim shop can use to recreate a beautiful interior.