Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

i,m new to the forum. from top to bottom , what fluids would be recommended 4 my 55 clipper custom . also , why is my motor painted orange . thanx kevin from kentucky

G'day kevinkfk,
to PackardInfo.

While waiting for the V8 guys to chime in, I invite you to include your '55 Clipper Custom in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Welcome to the forum. I'll let others recommend fluids. There are probably as many recommendations as there are posters on the forum.

As to the engine color, orange was never a Packard option. Perhaps a previous owner liked it or found a sale on Chevy orange paint and figured that was close to a Packard color.

The 320 engine on the 55 Deluxe and Supers would have been red from the factory. Bluish green would be correct for the 55 Clipper Custom 352 and ivory for the 55 Packard version 352.

Is yours possibly a faded red someone incorrectly applied or possibly the original engine was replaced with a transplanted smaller engine? Does the engine number match the number on the door pillar?

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If you want to go with oem paint scheme, 352 clippers should be turquoise with black valve covers.

320 was red including intake manifolds; Rocker covers black with "Clipper" decal.

Senior cars (all 352s) Ivory including intake manifolds; Rocker covers black with ivory letters.

Why is it orange? Only the painter can explain that....possibly....

The good news is that it may mean the engine was rebuilt at some point.

Are you new to Packards?

As to fluids, my 56 is happy with Shell Rotella 10-40 from Sams Club...

Type three brake fluid is basic unless the system has been upgraded to newer stuff.