Re: Randy Berger's 1956 Caribbean

Posted by BH On 2011/3/30 9:20:03

Previously, in my post in the 350+ scans of original upholstery-carpet-top cards thread, I referred to the Trim Set number as the parent number of the collection of specific trim assemblies for a given vehicle, but I feel now that I need to modify my position on that.

After further review of the trim information in the front matter of parts book, I have found some Trim Sets that are actually common to entirely different body styles and models. For example, the 1955 trim sets:

6 - LIGHT GREEN GENUINE LEATHER AND DARK GREEN GENUINE LEATHER
7 - LIGHT BLUE GENUINE LEATHER AND DARK BLUE GENUINE LEATHER

...are common to the following models:

5562 - CLIPPER CUSTOM SEDAN
5567 - CLIPPER CUSTOM CONSTELLATION HARD TOP
5582 - PATRICIAN SEDAN
5587 - FOUR HUNDRED HARD TOP

Not only are many of the finished soft trim assemblies dimensioned differently between body styles (sedan vs. hardtop), but some are likely cut/sewn differently between Jr. and Sr. cars - even with same body style. However, all still use the same bulk materials.

So, I would now say that the Trim Set number reperesents only the collection of bulk materials required for a specific interior trim combination.

In the case of the '56 Caribbeans, the rear seat and rear quarter trim assemblies are different between convertible and hardtop models, but they use the same upholstery materials. I would say that the different trim set numbers using same color schemes is the result of differences in materials used between open and closed versions - that is headliner vs. folding top material. Also, unlike some earlier years, the top materials for the 55-56 convertibles are "keyed" to the interior colors - due to the colored lining.