Re: 1955 clipper super panama
Posted by BH On 2011/2/17 10:07:50
I saw your post on this in the Modification forum, but was reluctant to answer. However, since you've asked again, let me try to provide some insight.
I suspect the the 55/56 Packard rear bumper will bolt up to the Clipper frame without too much trouble, though you would have to make custom tailpipes.
I've never seen it done, but suggest you examine pictures of the Packard Panthers. All of five example of these concept cars them started out with '54 Clipper taillights and rear bumper, but two of them were later updated with the '55 rear bumper.
Now, the '55 Clipper rear end treatment was, basically, a carry-over from '54, but there's a good reason why you don't see any '55 Clippers with 55/56 Packard rear bumpers.
In updating those two Panthers, they not only installed the newer Packard bumper, but the corresponding Packard cathedral taillights. Doing so required extensive modification to the body. Luckily, they were working with fiberglass. Here's an elevated rear 3/4 view of one of the modified Panthers (from this site's Photo Gallery):
I'd personally think the results would look pretty awful if you simply hung a 55-56 Packard bumper on a '55 Clipper. Yet, even if you managed to accomplish something similar to what what was done with those two Panthers, I wouldn't consider it an improvement. Of course, that's just the opinion of someone who doesn't find highly-customized vehicles very interesting.
The fact is that as long as it's your name on the title, you are entitled to do with it as you please. Yet, keep in mind that modifications have a tendency have a narrower appeal, which may negatively resale value.
Hope this helps.
I suspect the the 55/56 Packard rear bumper will bolt up to the Clipper frame without too much trouble, though you would have to make custom tailpipes.
I've never seen it done, but suggest you examine pictures of the Packard Panthers. All of five example of these concept cars them started out with '54 Clipper taillights and rear bumper, but two of them were later updated with the '55 rear bumper.
Now, the '55 Clipper rear end treatment was, basically, a carry-over from '54, but there's a good reason why you don't see any '55 Clippers with 55/56 Packard rear bumpers.
In updating those two Panthers, they not only installed the newer Packard bumper, but the corresponding Packard cathedral taillights. Doing so required extensive modification to the body. Luckily, they were working with fiberglass. Here's an elevated rear 3/4 view of one of the modified Panthers (from this site's Photo Gallery):
I'd personally think the results would look pretty awful if you simply hung a 55-56 Packard bumper on a '55 Clipper. Yet, even if you managed to accomplish something similar to what what was done with those two Panthers, I wouldn't consider it an improvement. Of course, that's just the opinion of someone who doesn't find highly-customized vehicles very interesting.
The fact is that as long as it's your name on the title, you are entitled to do with it as you please. Yet, keep in mind that modifications have a tendency have a narrower appeal, which may negatively resale value.
Hope this helps.
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