Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Interesting it has the 55 shift quadrant. Wonder if a pushbutton system bit the dust. If changed, was the long 55 column, shaft and steering box installed or parts modified to fit and use the 56 short column.

This was my car and was purchased on E-Bay while I lived in Moultrie, GA. The car had factory 56 shift quadrant which was still available in 1956 and was standard on this model. Push button shift was an option on the 400 coupe--not standard [it was only standard on the Caribbean series]. The original buyer of this car also purchased some mint NOS interior items for the car but never paid me for the balance. Theatreorganman (Esquireman on this site]

I know PBs were optional but what I was getting at is the car has a quadrant with the two arrows like 55s. 56 senior quadrant had gold letters and H and D instead of arrows.

Just wondering reason why and most likely I could think for the different year version was the car originally had PB and car been retrofitted with an earlier column.

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Since it's the same basic casting for the housing, 55-56, either quadrant (lens) will fit. In fact, all 56 models used same pointer as 55 Sr.; I suspect it's merely a color/styling difference for 55 Jr. models. All 55-56 used same clamp for pointer. Note, also, that the 56J also used the 55 quadrant lens.

Could be another one of those (undocumented) parts substitutions made during a production shortage.

most over used word on Ebay.....'rare'

Just wanted to tell you what a nice job I think you did on your interior. It has been clearly documented that in Packard's final years, most anything could be done on a custom basis for customers and interiors were not exceptions. Therefore, I think it is great that you have been a bit creative with your Patrician. It works because you have fashioned it around factory guidelines.

I have a particular interest since I have a 56 Patrician in Naples Orange and Maltese Gray. The future interior (replacing the same "mousey gray" like yours) is to be Naples Orange, Charcoal Gray, and Off-White Leather [with a peforated Naples Orange headliner from SMS].

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Oops, sorry; I posted this on the wrong thread! Apologies.