Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Is the firewall insulation panel the same between 1955 and 1956, between Clipper and Packard and between non-A/C and A/C cars?

According to the parts book they are different.
30.131
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/partslist5556/30_Body.pdf

I would guess maybe the brake pedal change between 55 and 56 might be one reason?

Apparently there is a difference between the 56 Clipper and 56 Packard?

Clippers have a patterned pressed cardboard finish, senior cars have carpet on the lower half. Brake pedal mount location and shape is a difference between 55-56 non AC cars.

AC cars have several additional holes. Two large openings for the blower and the evaporator coil connections as well as extra holes on the insulation side (which may be indicated but not punched thru the finish side) for the evaporator mounting brackets. The heater valve is different with AC so there is a changed location for the valve mounting brackets. There may be other differences but those are what I remember.

Thank you! I know that the panels originally had knockouts but wasn't sure if they were there for heater and/or A/C or not. I had forgotten about the carpet but I suppose it could be added to a panel if needed. In this case I was looking at a newly manufactured panel that was supposedly made from an NOS example and was trying to determine if it would fit my 1956 Clipper.

for firewall pads and heater plenum for 55 and possibly 56, I prefer Quiteride solutions.

I worked with them on the heater plenum for my 55 and it was a good repo. you will need to reuse your flaps and flap hardware though.