Re: 5587 - rear package shelf

Posted by BH On 2011/11/29 22:53:16

The rear window package tray top assembly is covered in Gr. 31.4609 of the 55-56 parts book. Though it provides no details as to construction, most applications at least specify a color matched to related trim sets. However, there are only two P/Ns listed for the package shelf trim for model 5582: one is for all-leather trim sets and the other is for all-cloth trim sets, regardless of color. Not sure why.

All of my V8s have had unrestored interiors; though none of them are handy, I can recall some details vividly.

The one '55 Patrician that I once owned had light/dark green all-cloth upholstery (trim set 63). The headliner was light green cloth, but a completely different weave and weight as the seat/body cloth. The instrument panel and rugs were dark green. The package shelf had dark green cloth (similar to, but lighter in weight than seat fabric) wrapped over a cardboard foundation.

My '56 cars are all Seniors (including my dad's Exec), in both sedan and hardtop body styles, and have cloth/vinyl or cloth/leather upholstery (trim sets 55, 75, 79, 84). The package shelf in each is painted, perforated board. It seems to me that the shelf was color-coordinated to the instrument board, rather than fabric or rugs, in these cars.

However, for some reason, I'm thinking the package shelf in the Carib Hardtop (trim set 296) is painted in white. Notice that the parts book shows only one P/NA for that model, regardless of trim, like the fabric roof covering.

Like the issue of wheel color, we simply may not have enough pieces of the greater picture puzzle to figure out the factory's magic formula.

Getting back to the subject car, model 5587 with trim set 54 or 84 shows a turquoise package shelf. Perhaps other owners with a 55 Four Hundred can provide additional detail as regards construction.