Re: "NEW" to me '55 Packard Clipper Custom

Posted by BH On 2009/9/4 14:37:05

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that all of the script plates on the '55-'56 Clippers were chrome-plated.

There were, however, script plates used on the '55-'56 Senior cars that were finished in genuine gold-plating (not brass). All of the exterior script plates on '55 Seniors were gold-plated - EXCEPT those on the trunk lid of the Patrician (5582), which were finished in chrome. (The "PACKARD" hood letters - though not truly a script plate - were finished in chrome.) All the exterior script plates on the '56 Seniors were gold-plated - EXCEPT those on the Executive (5672-77), which were all finished in chrome finish. The rings on the die-cast circle-vee ornaments were also gold-plated.

All that aside, when the chrome-plating wears thin, you will begin to see the nickel coat, which may fool you into thinking of tarnished brass. You may also find a similar effect with stainless trim on these cars, which actually has a thin, flash coat of chrome.

Meanwhile, looks like you found a pretty good project car.