Re: Brian's 1956 Clipper Deluxe

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/7/15 6:10:42

Well - here we go!

I mentioned before the sad paintwork on my 1956 Clipper. It was repainted about 35 years ago, but is now crazing quite badly in some areas. Looks like somebody before me tried to patch it up but to no avail. Only result was slightly mis-matched colour. It's painted in a 1970's Ford Australia acrylic colour called Midnight, which I quite like on the car and intend to keep.

So far, so good. My enquiries regarding a repaint produced quotes which far exceeded the value of the car - which is in otherwise excellent condition and drives exceedingly well. So Plan B is to get it stripped by one guy and painted etc by another. I don't want to dismantle the car any more than I have to, for fear I'll never get it all together and working again! Only plan to repaint the exterior panels - same colour as now.

The catch is that I need to remove as much of the exterior trim as I can myself. In truth, I have no idea how to do this. As a start, referred to the illustrated Parts List but got no further enlightenment regarding how the external trim is removed. I'm assuming I need to get the bumpers, tail lights, headlight surrounds and stainless/chrome side trim off. Oh, and the rear view mirrors. Plus the "Deluxe" and "Clipper" badges, hood ornament and "Packard" badge off the trunk. I intend to leave the glass in and the wheels on to keep it mobile and hopefully driveable.

My first questions are:

1 Is it feasible to repaint the car without dismantling the mechanicals?

2 Is it necessary to remove some or all of the interior trim to get the external trim pieces off?

Cheers

Brian