Re: Adventures with a 1955 Clipper
Posted by JWL On 2011/7/10 16:11:09
Hello All,
The last garage session could be titled a shady job. Not to be confused with shade tree mechanic.
On our drive back from the Keels and Wheels Concours d'Elegance in May (held at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook near Houston) we stopped to visit with a Packard friend, Mike Grimes, who lives in The Woodlands, a growing community about 45 miles north of Houston. We were enticed by the offer of "Free Rides" in his Packards. True to his word we were treated to rides in and around the area in his maroon 1951 Patrician and black 1936 Standard Eight Coupe. Jane rode in the rumble seat of the Coupe and Mike and I in the passenger compartment. The '36, a recent acquisition, has its original interior and is in beautiful shape. The '51 is an older restoration and is most attractive.
The Patrician is equipped with a period accessory called Vetshades. These are stamped metal shades that attach to the top outside edge of the door windows. They allow the windows to be lowered a couple of inches to provide ventilation without getting rain or wind into the passenger compartment (a pre air conditioning accessory). I am sure you have seen the modern version, these later ones are made of colored plastic.
Anyway, I was impressed with the Ventshades and remembered that I had bought a set on eBay after I had bought the '55 Clipper, but before it was delivered to me. I thought they were cool looking (pardon the pun) and would add to the outside appearance of the Clipper. To make a short story long, upon returning from Keels and Wheels I found the Ventshades and decided to install them. Stamped on each Ventshade were the part number, shade location, and name of manufacture. The Auto Ventshade Co., Chamblee, Georgia made them.
First they needed some straightening and cleaning. After that I re-sprayed the undersides with a flat black rattle can paint to restore the non-glare finish. They went on with reasonably easy. The one I had the hardest time fitting was the last one on the passenger side front window. I had to drill two holes in the doors for each shade for no. 8 sheet metal screws. I carefully considered doing this before going forward. I think the Ventshades are a nice period accessory to add to the car. Plus, they provide the added convenience of enhanced ventilation.
Take care.
(o{I}o)
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The last garage session could be titled a shady job. Not to be confused with shade tree mechanic.
On our drive back from the Keels and Wheels Concours d'Elegance in May (held at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook near Houston) we stopped to visit with a Packard friend, Mike Grimes, who lives in The Woodlands, a growing community about 45 miles north of Houston. We were enticed by the offer of "Free Rides" in his Packards. True to his word we were treated to rides in and around the area in his maroon 1951 Patrician and black 1936 Standard Eight Coupe. Jane rode in the rumble seat of the Coupe and Mike and I in the passenger compartment. The '36, a recent acquisition, has its original interior and is in beautiful shape. The '51 is an older restoration and is most attractive.
The Patrician is equipped with a period accessory called Vetshades. These are stamped metal shades that attach to the top outside edge of the door windows. They allow the windows to be lowered a couple of inches to provide ventilation without getting rain or wind into the passenger compartment (a pre air conditioning accessory). I am sure you have seen the modern version, these later ones are made of colored plastic.
Anyway, I was impressed with the Ventshades and remembered that I had bought a set on eBay after I had bought the '55 Clipper, but before it was delivered to me. I thought they were cool looking (pardon the pun) and would add to the outside appearance of the Clipper. To make a short story long, upon returning from Keels and Wheels I found the Ventshades and decided to install them. Stamped on each Ventshade were the part number, shade location, and name of manufacture. The Auto Ventshade Co., Chamblee, Georgia made them.
First they needed some straightening and cleaning. After that I re-sprayed the undersides with a flat black rattle can paint to restore the non-glare finish. They went on with reasonably easy. The one I had the hardest time fitting was the last one on the passenger side front window. I had to drill two holes in the doors for each shade for no. 8 sheet metal screws. I carefully considered doing this before going forward. I think the Ventshades are a nice period accessory to add to the car. Plus, they provide the added convenience of enhanced ventilation.
Take care.
(o{I}o)
Attach file:
(26.84 KB)
(22.35 KB)
(39.12 KB)
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