Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello everyone, I am new to this site.

The Vinyl top was removed from a 1956 Packard Caribbean by the previous owner and I can't seem to find anyplace that sells the factory vinyl. Do I need to just get something close? I would like to get a perfect match if possible. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Mark

Pretty easy to get a proper-fitting white top with a more-or-less correct leather grain pattern, most all of the major top makers have the patterns. Bill Hirsch sells them as do others. Mine was made by EZ in Georgia, purchased thru Hirsch, and has a black interior, tan also available. I was totally satisfied with top, the fit was perfect and it's now 10 years old and still looks new. But that said, the real problem is getting a top with correctly colored underside to match the middle body color on tri-color Caribbeans. Kepich has long advertised such tops for 56 Caribbeans with the color-matched underside - I've heard good and no so good comments on them.

Years back many folks tried dying the underside to the correct color - these attempts were generally very unsuccessful, problems like color bleeding into the white, etc. I don't recommend this approach. Others have used a correctly colored flannel or cotton sheet between the top and the bows to give the appearance of a colored underside - this can be made to look OK but can cause real problems with folding the top - just too much bulk. If you want a top that's correct fit and exterior, try Hirsch but you'll have to settle for an incorrect undersize. If you insist on an underside color-matched to the tri-color, I don't know of any alternative to Kepich.

Sorry, I think I wasn't clear. Its a Caribbean Hardtop. I think you are talking about the convertible tops. I have found the convertible tops but can't seem to find replacement vinyl for the Hardtop.

Would the place you suggested have the Hardtop vinyl?

Thanks again

A good friend just recently had a top done for a 56 Caribbean hardtop which then went for export to Scandanavia. I recall him cursing and mumbling about what a PITA is was, but in the end it was lovely. I don't recall the details but I'll call him and see what info I can get.

Did you try SMS Auto Fabrics?

SMS Auto Fabrics

G'day CaribbeanMark,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '56 Caribbean Hardtop Coupe in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

SMS link doesn't work......

Try this:

SMS

None if the sms links work. I googled them and they seem to have a website, perhaps its just down.

This worked in the Preview Screen.

SMS

EDIT - And it worked after I posted.

Further EDIT - Now it's not!

Thanks guys. I tried again last night and the sns website was working. Looks like it was just down for some reason yesterday. I didn't see anything listed but they look like they may have something so I will call them.