Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

just purchased a '53, the smaller front top bumper bars are very pitted, rest of chrome is good. i'm not packard literate. are these available anywhere, repro or otherwise? thank you. (i'm sure many more questions to follow). i'm 80 and this is my very 1st packard and i'm quite excited about it!

Congratulations!

Pretty sure there's no reproductions available. Your only choices are to repair the existing peice or find a good used one, or a NOS peice although those are basically impossible to find. There are plenty of 51-54 parts cars around. It's not cheap to have them replated but at least you don't need to do everything.

G'day george perry,
to PackardInfo. Sorry, can't help with the bumper part.

But, I invite you to include your '53 Packard in the Packard Vehicle Register.

Since there was no photo with your question I’m not sure which pieces you mean but if steel, it is easy to repair and replate by a competent plating shop.

As Don said, you should be able to find one of these pretty easily. For 53, the front & rear cross bar is the same for all models. It is also the same for 54 clippers, front & rear, and 54 senior cars, rear only.
The 53's quite often are pitted due to the original poor chrome plating because of a chromium shortage during the Korean war. The 54's are generally much better.

Hi George Perry,
I read your post and was struck by your enthusiasm and you saying this is your 1st Packard at 80! Good for you; that is both ambitious and adventuresome! Welcome to Packard Info - tons of good info here with many very helpful folks to steer you right. Good luck with your Packard. Chris.

thanks to all for advice. just added car to registry (2678). the latch that secures the spare tire to the trunk lid is, i believe, worn out. i can't imagine finding a replacement, but if anyone can lead me to one or to someone who might repair this one it sure would be appreciated. will spend the next few days bringing back the paint and cleaning the chrome, all of which is near perfect except for the aforementioned front upper bumper bars. runs like a top; not as snappy as the full race flatty in my deuce roadster, but it's a lot more car. (read that much more comfortable). having fun and learning!

Quote:
George(arkusvt). for including your '53 Caribbean Convertible in the Packard Vehicle Registry.

was able to figure out and repair the spare tire to trunk lid latch by replacing the (i think) work hardened 68 year old spring with a little lighter tensioned one, allowing the sliding latch to move just enough more than it was, to maintain a secure lock. still looking for a pair of good upper bumper bars.