Re: found 1956 Packard Executive

Posted by BH On 2011/8/16 12:45:07

GTO -

You'll find that the parts book details on this typially show applications of "5540-60; ALL 56TH" - unless things vary by chassis. In fact, the first page of clutch details shows more than one example with specific applications for "5640-60-70" and "5680-88".

Yet, as you progress through the transmission details, you'll find applications mostly specified as "ALL 55TH; 56TH". That makes me wonder about availablity for 55th Series Seniors.

Surely, there must have been a factory letter explaining this late-breaking production change in more detail for '56 - as the March 2 letter on pricing and equipment for the 1956 Executive shows nothing on standard and overdrive equipment.

In lieu of that, we have to give the parts book more weight as it was updated more frequently, but it is not infallible. However, I will agree that there have been a siginifcant number of V8s converted to stick - thanks to donor vehicles.

I'd like to see a production order for each example of the '56 Senior models that shows standard and/or overdrive equipment as a bona fide factory install.