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

I was fortunate to find the build sheet in place and readable on top of the glove box frame. I'm able to decode the first row--model, color code, production sequence, etc.

The other rows are a mystery.

The second row is : TB REQ. 692..

The third row is blank.

The fourth row is : 21 Then a penciled in: 322

Any ideas what the second and fourth rows mean?

Thanks.

It would help to know what year or series car, and what model. Based on other known production slips, the "REQ 692" almost certainly refers to a special production request, perhaps interior upholstery? I'm not aware of any special feature order code "TB" for any 22nd or later series car, though there is a "TG" for club coupes. And 692 is not a upholstery/trim code that I can find. Wish I could help more, perhaps a photo of the slip would be helpful.

The car is a 1953 Caribbean. The only thing unusual is the paint code 'R'. The color is an orange-red like the former Mary Lou Wilson 'Crimson Lady' in CA and the car in the May 2005 issue of Hemmings Classic Cars. The trim code is 76--maroon and white leather.

Thanks for the added information. Not much I can add, except that, as your perhaps aware, paint code "R" denoted a non-stock color being applied to one or more (but a small number) or production cars to judge the public's reaction to a new color.

what color code is shown on the door plate? I know on other custom color ordered 53 Caribbeans the regular color code was listed on the door plate if it was an offered 1953 color, the other two reported (but not confirmed) factory red cars have red interiors and not matador maroon, both other red cars known have missing door plates or no build sheets found so I do not have confirmation of a factory delivered red car yet. I have confirmation of two factory delivered black cars delivered. A few were even dealer painted but not factory (or Ionia) painted

The color code on the door plate is 'R', same as the build sheet.

very cool, you may have the first 100% confirmed red car then! congrats!

Is the car still in its original paint?

When I bought the car (1973) it was black and in very poor condition--lots of rust. When I was finally able to start restoring it, and began taking off the chrome, it was red under the chrome, red under the fenders, etc. Every piece of chrome removed--red underneath. The car had also been undercoated, and when I started to remove that I found the red under the fenders. The gas door had undercoat on it, and when I removed that undercoat--red. Under the red is primer, no previous color. Have lots of pictures documenting the disassembly, and color as found.

so you found red paint on the undersides of the fenders or when sanding off the black paint on the topsides of the fenders?

normally on a rougher car the door plate paint code stamping is long gone and usually unreadable, you are fortunate