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

Appears to be a 53 from the rear. Back up lights on senior models such as the Patrician were separate in 53 but in 54 they were integrated with the tail lights. Horizontal chrome strip used as the trunk lid handle first arrived in 53 but was carried over almost unchanged thru 55.

On the registration, since so many engine, body or trim pieces of the 51-4 models will interchange and something from a scrapyard could have been slapped on a car if something got damaged the only sure way to verify year is by the vehicle number on the door jamb. It will start 26xx for a 53 and 54xx for a 54.

Doors and ignition share the round head key, glovebox and trunk share the octagonal head key. I believe that combo was chosen back in the early days so parking lot attendants could open and start the car but could not open and look thru the glovebox or trunk contents.

If it has the original ignition switch, take it to a locksmith and have them remove the tumbler. The keycode will be stamped into it and you can make your key from that. Max Merritt has original Packard blanks of the proper shapes. The tumbler may need cleaning in order to locate and rear the code but it's right under the edge of the outer lip and on one of mine I had to use a points file across the code to make it readable. Once made, the key should also fit the doors too. Unfortunately, as far as I know, the other locks do not have the keycodes stamped anywhere

It is a 2652 body code/patent plate, so that correlates to being a 53.

I have the ignition key, so I can get that duplicated. Who is Max Merritt? A member here?

I will see if I can get someone to pick the glovebox. I have a buddy who used to be into that kind of thing. If so, I know a good locksmith here that I think can probably make a key from the tumblers.

Max Merrit is the name of one of the major Packard Part Vendors.

PackardParts.com

Others found in the directory.

Maybe better to make any copies from a master made from the key code! A worn key copied will give a less than adequate copy.

Quote:

It's a 5-wafer lock. If they can't open it, they don't know how to pick locks.

On my 55 Clipper, right around when I bought it, I picked the glovebox lock in only a minute or so... into the locked position.
It was a little stuck, so I assumed it was locked. Is the keyhole vertical? If so, it's unlocked... just hold the button down and grab an edge to pull it open.

That is also very good to know. It is vertical...

Thanks again.

The glove box is a drawer, it pulls straight out.