Very interesting. Thank you. It helps me to understand how labor-intensive the process is, and also that it can be done. I imagine it is very expensive.

Considering buying a Custom Eight sedan. The steering wheel is badly cracked. I have seen these that have been repaired/recast, but they always appear to be painted, and the original appears to be an opaque plastic without paint. Does anyone know of a company that can recast these as original?

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Thank you again. This is very helpful. I'm glad to know that this interior could have been special ordered, as I was hoping it wasn't non-authentic. It's a very good upholstering job and looks nice. I wasn't going to replace it in any case, just enjoy it.

Many years go I met a man in California who had a beautiful 400 with all leather interior. I didn't ask many questions at the time as to whether he got it by special order, redone by an upholstery shop, etc. Now guessing it was by special order.

Thank you. I found that pretty easily. I do have one more question. The car I just bought has had the upholstery redone. It is light and dark blue leather, and I don't see leather in the literature. Was leather available as a special-order option or was this interior done incorrectly to suit a previous owner? Sorry to say, not much history or information came with the car.

On the data plate in my 1955 Four Hundred, I have found the paint codes in this website and in other places, but I am confused as to the meaning of "trim code." Does that refer to interior appointments? And is there a reference somewhere that lists those codes and what they are? I would appreciate any educating you can provide.

Another option (and the one I use) is to buy CCCA Motor Oil from the Indiana Region of CCCA. The Indiana Region combined efforts with D-A Lubricants to produce an oil that contains ingredients, including ZDDP, to protect our old flat-tappet engines. For anyone interested, their web address is:https://inrccca.org/product/classic-car-motor-oil/

I just bought a very nicely restored 1955 400. The ID tag is gone from the usual position on the driver's side door post. The mounting holes are there, but the tag apparently was lost during repainting. There is a substitute ID tag under the hood, made of professional-looking plastic, but (of course) not original. My question is, is there a way for the origina style ID tag to be re-manufactured and put back in the original location on the door post? I'd like the car to be as correct as possible. Any help appreciated.
Steve in Indiana

Thank you all. This is a big help.

Steve

I have one of those Scottish Heather and Dover White hardtops (some would call it pink and white), and the carpet is an aftermarket replacement. It is black and needs replacing again. My questions are: What carpet colors were availabe from the Packard factory to go with this exterior color combo? And was the original carpet loop pile, plush, or ....??? any suggestions as to a good source for originality?

Thanks,
Steve in Indiana

I sent a message to Mr. Ficken this morning. Many thanks for the information.
Steve