Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

OK, here are high-pocket versions. I achieve a little bit better fidelity with each mod. Where to put the rear door's rear beltline cutline would have been an open quesiton. You can see where I put it.

This strategy would have saved Packard some money and the rear door windows might have fit using only rotation. But they would still be high pockets, which I think would have been a missed opportunity. But probably best if the money was saved for the next major redesign.

On the other hand, what would be the point of this car if one could simply buy a Four Hundread 2-door. Would be great if the roof was 5-inches longer.

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  Image 8 - 1955 Packard 127 4D Hardtop High Pockets 1a.jpg (975.52 KB)


  Image 8 - 1955 Packard 127 4D Hardtop High Pockets 1b.jpg (972.38 KB)


  Image 8 - 1955 Packard 127 4D Hardtop High Pockets 1c.jpg (971.74 KB)

Circling back to my preference for modern coachwork, will go with removable B-pillars like Packard's pre-war Convertible Sedans. Then the windows roll straight down with the existing regulators.

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  1955 Packard 127 4D Hardtop with removable B-pillars.jpg (977.72 KB)

The convertible sedan's removable B pillars were only needed to support the folding top assembly when up to prevent it from sagging and breaking; they didn't add any stiffness/structure to the body itself. They also tended to go walk about.

I think you should go with a similar setup to a '64 Lincoln Continental used, where it just had a half-height B-pillar up to the tops of the doors, and then only the sliding window frames above that point when the windows where up.

The Mercedes Benz 300d, introduced in 1957 came without C and C pillars. The rear side windows were removable.

How do you roll the window down?

The windows in the doors had cranks. The last window had a mechanical lock and was removed manually.






image sources
#1 - charlescrail.com
#2 - auto.de
Click to enlarge!

The GM approach with half B pillars worked. Something similar for 55-56, then the new bodies in 57

No removable pieces, windows or pillars. The market has never been fond of this

in 56, a plush 4 door hardtop in the Caribbean line to sell alongside the 2 other body styles

I mean where do the windows have space to retract to when the front two are so close together?

That Mercedes is interesting. My preference would be to make the upper chrome B-pillar fixed, as I have no desire for 4-door hardtop on this dream car. The B-pillar's width would be dictated by the door pocket envelope. If it needed to be a bit wider than shown, would have no significant impact on aesthetics.

Here's an exploration of trim, courtesy safety lights (now two per door, one each for the 3 and 15 candle power bulbs). Shown in b/w but maybe a rich brown two-tone with a matching padded roof would be nice. Will have to take a look at the colors offered that year.

Side bar trim is raised so that the rear portion covers the body side ledge coming of the bumper, as was earlier discussed.

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  1955 Packard 127 4D Hardtop rich.jpg (960.31 KB)


  Dual Courtesy Safety Light.jpg (224.23 KB)