Re: Continental Kit doesn't fit

Posted by JWL On 2015/1/12 14:28:03

HH56 is correct that the '53 and '54 Caribbeans had their rear body work modified to fit the continental kit. I believe they shortened the trunk lid, and modified the inner part of the rear fenders to fit to the shortened lid; hence, the deeper cut of the panel around the fender. This was to provide more room for the tire kit without extending the length of the body the full amount of the kit's depth. A novel approach to fitting a continental kit. Also, if I recall correctly the '53 Caribbeans used a metal panel between the body and bumper that fit around the tire, and the '54s used a fiberglass panel which was differently shaped.

(o{}o)

Edit: I got out my copy of 1951 - 1954 Packard by Bob Neal and read through the 1953 Caribbean part. It seems one of Teague's suggestions for modifying a standard convertible to resemble the Pan American show car was to lengthen the rear fenders. To me, the rear fenders on the Caribbeans do not look any longer than those on the convertibles, but this is only comparing photographs. Still, it does not seem the fenders were lengthened enough to accommodate the width of the continental style spare tire; so, maybe both modifications were done, the longer fenders and shorter trunk lid? I am hope someone here who is knowledgeable about this will share their knowledge. Thanks.