Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

On the Cathedral tail light on the 1955 Caribbean there are some grooves just above where the backup light lenses goes. That gold plated "V" is attached there also.
My question is if these groves were originally highlighted in black or were they left in the chromed condition. It seems to me I have seen both versions on pictures. Just wanted to know what the original way is.
Thanks for any information,
Walt

Mine (on a 400) had the remnants of black paint in them. I repainted them after having them re-plated.

Randy's on target, the recesses were painted black.

Randy and O-D are correct. Plated then the grooves have black paint in them.

The 55 had the gold plated V's while the similar 56 cars had a red hexagon reflector instead. Taillight lenses appear to be identical between the two years.

Yep. Painted my grooves black as well after rechroming for my 400. I tend to think that the grooves were designed to match the grooves on the stainless steel Reynolds wrap on the sides of senior cars.

Yes, Black it is........

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thanks for the help. I already have them chromed and just needed to know about the black paint issue.
thanks,
Walt