Re: Randy Berger's 1956 Caribbean

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2008/11/5 14:24:39

With regard to the external mirrors, yes the ones on my car were Yankee mirrors, not the correct Packard accessory mirrors. Since the mirrors were generally (always?) a dealer accessory, I'd guess a lot of dealers used Yankee and either pocketed the difference, or told the customer he could save a few $.

As to the mounting positions, the original Packard template which I have gives both mounting positions, on the door or on the front fender. I could make a copy if anyone wants it. I found the fender-mounted position to be poor, and the door not a lot better as the wing-window post interferes unless you sit way back or way forward. The mirror I ended up buying and installing is the Jay Fisher reproduction, pretty decent and a bit easier to mount than the original as you don't have to get access inside the door; externally looks correct with the little allen head screw.

As to the repainting of my car, there was a 2nd repaint before the S-M-S, Holland Blue over Dover White over Roman Copper. The original owner must have been in the paint business and couldn't stop fidgeting around with the color scheme. But now it's back to M-E-S.

Randy, my windshield and front vent wings have been reglassed but I checked the rear quarter windows ont he car and two I have in the cellar, they are all marked "Solex Duolite", as was the original windshield.