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As seen in some of the previously posted pictures, there are snaps along the dash at the bottom of the windshield. They are also found along the top of the door edge, at the bottom of the side windows all the way back to the back seat.

Also what I thought was just a cover for the convertible top (boot cover) that would fit in the black bag that was in the trunk, is much larger than I originally thought. I had not unfolded it until just today. When I unfolded it, I found that it is large enough to cover the car from the front of the dashboard to the top of the trunk. It also has a zipper splitting the cover back to the top of the front seat. This would allow the driver to unzip and uncover the steering wheel and drivers seat, while keeping the remainder of the seating covered.

Was that a factory option or is that aftermarket add-on? Is this the boot cover that goes in the boot cover bag? I thought the boot cover would only cover the folded down top. Seems too large to go in the boot cover bag. Maybe a tight fold job and it could squeeze in?!?

Below is an overview from the rear end of the 'cover' showing the open zipper and a pocket for the top of the steering wheel.

The second picture below is just the front half of the cover taken from the windshield end. Here the steering wheel pocket is stood up.

-zeroCool

p.s. still figuring out exactly what Uncle Larry had.

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The dress is definitely 👍 Zircon!

Leeedy,
...so is this the second or third known origin top on the planet.

My heart started racing when I lifted the seam and saw that beautiful blue. Then I got nervous about how I need to not screw up attempts at cleaning it. Do I even attempt it? Is just knowing that it is original enough? I really want to see it in its original condition. I'm Torn. (But the top is not torn.)

-zeroCool

p.s. kinda felt like I was peeking up the girl's skirt hem.

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This is not the boot cover. (EDIT boot cover not top boot, thank you for the correction, the parts book lists it as dust boot)

Can you take a close up pictures of the top and bottom of this tonneau cover? (EDIT tonneau cover not cover)

Can you take a picture of the boot bag with measurements? (EDIT the parts book lists it as dust book bag)

I believe a 1953 Caribbean that had been donated to the PPG had same type of cover.

Look at this thread for dust boot pictures.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=0

I gotta say this is a way cool car, owner, story, discussion, etc.
And that this new owner found us before doing anything, priceless.

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Here are some pictures of the boot bag that was in the trunk...

When I washed the mildew off the bag I propped it open with a block of wood. You can see the impression. I will flatten it out. But the bag is not really usable, it has a few bad spots in the outer covering, but the inside canvas is still solid. The black is kind of chalky / flaky and will only transfer black onto other surfaces if used as intended. The bag is really showing its age.

The dimensions of this bag are just a little smaller in the width, and more so in the length than the other boot bag.

The other is roughly 10.5" x 26" and this one is 10.25" x 19.5" and the flap has a slight angle on one side.

Close, but I would not say that it is a match anymore.

Earlier I said that I thought it was a tool pouch. I came to that conclusion because there was a screwdriver in the bag. Yellow handle, straight slot, good condition, seeming unused.

-zeroCool

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This boot cover is what I thought I had when I came across the folded up 'cover' that was with the car. I was surprised to find out it spans the whole passenger compartment and the 'boot' too.


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Here are a few pictures of the inside/outside of a portion of the side, and one of the back corners. (The snaps indicate inside vs outside) The inside/outside images are paired up with the same snaps

If might be the same as the outer top material, will check closer later.

-zeroCool

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THANK YOU for the pictures.

I find it interesting the bags seem so similar, but the parts book has different part numbers for the (dust) boot bags.
I wonder if the screwdriver was used to pop the snaps off so as not to stress the material?

Was you great uncle a smoker, could that be some of the discoloration?

If someone from the PPG could comment on the 1953 Caribbean that was donated by Dan Ullam (sp) from the KC area, that might help. Dan bought his car from the dealer, he had pictures with the dealer giving him the keys on the showroom floor. I believe the picture was in the Packard newsletter at one time.

The tonneau cover does appear to match the top fabric.

This is a fascinating time capsule, and I appreciate you sharing it with everyone. I'm enjoying it.

I added two other images of the 'cover' to my previous post.

...and yes my Great Uncle Larry was a smoker. It was the 50s. Even doctors smoked during office visits.

The ash tray still has a few cigarette butts and a wrapper from a piece of promotional stick candy for his brick yard, West Point Brick Co. Maybe I'll see if I can lift some DNA and clone Uncle Larry. I was just 7 when he passed. Still miss visits with him.

The trunk had a partial pack of Pall Mall cigarettes, but a field mouse 🐁 had part of it for a snack. That ended up in the trash can as the trunk was vacuumed out.

-zeroCool

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This license plate frame is from the dealership in Louisville where Great Uncle Larry purchased the car. It was not attached to the Caribbean. It was mounted on something because there are screw marks on it. This was found in the first garage that it was stored in.

-zeroCool

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Nice license plate holder.
Have you found any pictures of this dealership?
Do you have any paperwork from when he purchased the car, or month he purchased it?

Found this,
Maybe it could be uploaded into the dealer pictures on this site.
digital.library.louisville.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/cs/id/5831/rec/11