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I noticed this when putting on the rear wheel skirts of my '56 Clipper Custom. The bolt size says 3/8; however it took my 9/16 wrench (see attached picture). Why is this?

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3/8 refers to the diameter of the fastener not the hex size. ie. 1/4" bolt takes a 7/16 wrench, 5/16 bolt takes 1/2" wrench, 3/8 takes a 9/16 wrench etc.

Some of the earlier skirt bolts are even more different in as much as they are a smaller threaded portion (5/16 screw) but have a much larger head. The head is the same size as the wheel bolt or lug nut so the stock lug wrench that came with the jack could be used to remove them. Motor City Packards reproduces the ones for 48-54.

MCP reproduces the 1948 to 1954 fenderskirt bolts.

motorcitypackards.com/store.php Scroll down the page a bit.

Unfortunately, they will NOT fit or be correct for your 1956 Clipper.

Thank you all for your answers. It is good to know the stock lug wrench works. I have the stock lug wrench, and it does work. I guess that is an example of Packard ingenuity!

Also, the 1/4" bolt takes a 7/16 wrench, 5/16 bolt takes 1/2" wrench, 3/8 takes a 9/16 wrench etc. is good to know for my ongoing repair work on my car.

Thanks again!

Is the part in question under group 30.793?

If it is 54-56 is 3/8-24 and 22nd thru 26th is 5/16-24.

is that right?

Dorman, that sounds like an aftermarket bolt..... Dorman makes the fix it parts you see hanging on the board at the auto part places sometimes... John