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As pointed out, the front grill on my Packard must have come off of a 1951 (maybe a 52) Clipper because it has the bullet lights vice the round ones and the chrome does not wrap around the sides. I didn't notice this when I bought the car and should have done my homework. So - can anyone out there help find me a 54 Clipper Deluxe Grill and does anyone want to buy my grill or perhaps trade? If so - let me know. Thanks Frank

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frank, i will check to see if i have a spare 53/54 center left. if so we may be able to do some trading. will let you know asap

Thanks - Any help is appreciated. I bought a new bumper compatable with years 51 - 54 (that I have to pick up in a week or so) but now my bumper guards won't match up to the 54 Grille (I hope to find) because they should have the cross bar that connects to each other and the grille (so I'm told). Rather than getting my bumper guards restored I figure I'll get the grille correct first and then put on the new bumper and then the new correct bumper guards should tie back into the grille. I don't mind driving to swap out or buy (if it takes less than a full day or so).

only found part of the 54 peices this last weekend. will keep you updated

Frank, personally I think the '51 grille is most attractive. I don't know how authentic you want the car to be, but you might think twice about replacing it. I really like the look. What did you do about the mis-matched tail lights? Very attractive car.

Edit: It was another '54 Clipper that had the mis-matched tail lights.

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Think this is a 52 grill. The 51 doesn't have the crest in the middle.

It is indeed a '52 (with the crest), but where are the "teeth"? I'm in agreement that the '52 version was the most attractive grill (it got too cluttered in the later models) and it looked nice with the smooth hood (no lettering ala '51) as well as the '52 "bottle openers" on the rear fenders w/o the "too much chrome" spear ('53). I also am partial to the long, lower set '53 trunk handle, the sleek, stylized '53 cormorant hood ornament and the '54 "finned" and Frenched headlight benzels. I'm making the "improvements" to my '52 Mayfair as well as new paint as we speak......just because I can! My car is never judged and I wanted the best trim pieces of the era. She will longer be a 100% pure 1952 trim wise, but I'll be happy! Unless you plan on going to judged Packard shows, go with what you like. Other modifications I made were radial wide whites and seat belts....for safety.

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As far as I know the junior cars did not have the teeth. Only the senior (300 and 400's) had teeth.

I too think the 51 front end with the teeth is the best looking of all the 51 through 54 cars. I even like the lettering on the hood. Wonder why they did away with them after 1951?

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AND the Mayfair (250 hardtops and convertibles)

Appreciate all of the thoughts on this subject. I really like my (52) grill. It has a more simple look and shows more of he cars paint than chrome on the sides. With that said, when I look at the car it reminds me of how I may have been snookered. If I were to sell the car down the road, I would definitely tell the buyer that the car has a 52 grille so they would not be surprised later. I found a 54 grille and the 54 bumper guards I may be picking up tomorrow, they are from a texas salvage yard. Between the grille and bumper guards it will set me back $400. My sense is that if I don't get the grille now, it is gonna cost me more in the future. I could always fix the new grille up and resell it. If I don't get this grille, the value of the car is supposed to be less because it wouldn't be 100% authentic. That's the thinking behind it and I certainly respect the viewpoint of mixing/matching as long as it is still Packard to the extent possible. I may change my mind and not buy the 54 grille between today and tomorrow (I call it being flexible).

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