Rather than post any pictures non-Packard, here is a URL you may find of interest:
http://www.tinplatetimes.com/profiles/Randy/randy.htm

Randy,

With your extensive knowledge of Packards, and it being your #2 hobby, I can only imagine your passion for trains!
I am fortunate to have a single Lionel train set that was a wedding gift to my parents. I break it out every Christmas. Something very sentimental about those old trains.

Regards,
Robert.

Robert, don't get me started on trains or I'll lose the few friends I have. Trains are my #1 hobby - Packards are second.
I collect primarily IVES from 1904-1930 and Dorfan from 1926 till they quit some time in the mid-thirties.

Randy,

The six Caribbean convertibles that had the factory wire wheel option are listed as:

1049
1084
1116
1117
1167
1228

Congrats on the successful reinstallation of the TL motor and repair of the limit switches. Excellent progress. One day I need to send you some pics of my Lionel General Lee train set.

Regards,
Robert.

The negative post of the battery should connect to the cylinder head.
There is a ground wire that runs from the rear right cylinder head to the firewall. This is the body ground strap. Be sure that the connexions are CLEAN, BRITE SHineING METAL and i like to use internal/external tooth washers.

As far as i know there is NO frame to engine ground strap used on the 56 Packards.

Take a look on eBay at a Custom-8 that is for sale. This is an original car that has sat unmolested for a long time. An interior shot shows the rare genuine Packard compass mounted on the windshield divider. A person might buy the car just to get the compass and then sell the car again.

Item number: 170128002400

I have examined Kanter's wire wheels and I believe my training as a train collector (no pun intended) sways me toward originality. I have five to do for the Carib and one for the 400 - OUCH!
I am inquiring about Kanter's hubcaps however. I don't have any, and repro is preferable to none.
I installed the TL motor today and verified the limit switches are working properly in conjunction with the new control box.
Here's a pic of the bent links and twisted spline.
By the way, I asked Mike Dulinski about a good used TL motor/gearbox in case I couldn't reassemble mine and he quoted a very reasonable price. Shipping hurts a little but Mike has no control over that.
And Kip56, if you know the serial numbers of those six, please post them.

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Sounds like you could buy reproduction wheels cheaper than getting the original ones restored. A set of 4 from Kanters is $1755.00 (shipping included). Thats $438.75 per wheel. While not exactly cheap either, it would save you almost $1,000.

Just a thought.

Randy,

Is your Caribbean convertible one of the six that came from the factory with wire wheels? (This according to the Cormorant Autumn 1987 - number 48).

If so, that may take some of the sting out of the restoration cost

Robert.

I called Dayton Wire Wheel today and the cost of restoration is $650.00 per wheel. Guess I'll be doing half a wheel at a time Bolted the TL motor back in place this AM and am going to hook it up mechanically and electrically this afternoon. Remember Pink&Orange out, Yellow&Blue in. I have pix of the bent spline and rods I will post later.