Anyone have some hints on removing the chrome gauge bezels on a 1956 dash? It looks like the were pressed in at the factory and they are die cast. I have new ones and am not worried if the old ones get ruined. Then the issue is how to install the new ones. Any suggestions from someone who has gone through the agony before?

The 1955-56 senior cars all came with padded dashes. The 1955 and 1956 model padded dashes are not the same. The 1956 is a thicker "puffier" dash than the 1955s. Also the 1956 models have a chrome end cap on each side where it meets the A pillar.

Flackmaster, do not instruct Chris how to post. It is great to see you mingle with the postwar crowd.

I found the build sheet for my 1956 400 under the rear seat. Take a look, you never know.

Already mailed the registration in. Hope we have the Saturday evening dinner again.

My original 56 400 had the earlier spark plug wire brackets which I upgraded to the newer ones. My car was about half way through the production run, so either type would be correct for early in the run cars. Also the rain gutter was to protect the pushbutton wiring and relays, if column shift Ultramatic is on the car the wiring and rain gutter would not be there.

I believe the top side of the inner fender is spot welded to the outer fender. The rest I believe is bolted.

Wow, the picture with the Packard lubricants is neat. You may want to consider donating it to the Packard Proving Grounds or the Packard museum. It could be preserved and a tax write off.

That is a fantastic job.

Dave is correct, "A" is a satin black and the other pieces are a "silver" color called "Argent"