Re: 1956 Caribbean hardtop options on a Four Hundred

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2015/2/7 15:36:13

A couple of thoughts:

The "CKD" condition of the car would make me tend to believe the Caribbean hood was sent with the car. Why would they switch it in Mexico, if it was delivered that way? And would it make much difference to the guys picking the parts if they put in an upgraded hood that would fit?

Quote from DaveB845:

"...as things were winding down some Detroit factory parts picker wasn't scavenging the unimproved dusty bits..."

Scavenging a Carib hood could have been considered an improvement. As has been said before, lots of strange stuff going on in those days, and probably even stranger stuff with the exports.

ONE THING THAT MAY TELL THE TAIL:

Does it have a hood prop? The Carib hoods needed a prop because of the extra weight of the "scoops." If it doesn't, it would seem to be a strong indication that the hood was an ad-on. (If it does, I guess it wouldn't mean much either way, unless it looks as though the prop were installed in some odd way.)

A few pics under the hood showing the mountings for the hood and prop (if present) might reveal indications of whether the hood was replaced at some point.

P.S. Some folks have reported finding build sheets on the glove box. Like gold, build sheets are wherever you find 'em.