Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Sure, buying a copy of the build slip is the way to go. If it's missing, bracket your VN with the nearest before and nearest after.

I the absence of that, start with the casting date on the block, the transmission, and the date stamped on the back of the clock and the radio. And look for a date stamped on the backside of the upholstery. One thing for sure, you know the car had to have been built after the latest of those dates.

Owen brings up another good source for evidence. Date stamped parts.
My 5672-1074 has a yellow rubber stamped march 5 1956 on the UNDERSIDE of the top of the heater box. So if u pull off the top of the heater box and look it mite be there if it's not too rusty. So mine can be narrowed even further to AFTER mar 5 1956. Of course that assumes the heater box was never replaced. Most likely not replaced.

I looked at my copy of the TPC
1019 and 1197 do not show rear speakers on the build sheet 1016 does not show wire wheel hubcaps the author may have some personal experience with these cars

1042 was shipped to Krefeld via Rotterdam
1049 was marked for Ciudad Trujillo
1155 was marked for Emile Delcourt

Quote:

I think the level of engineering on Packards just attracts people who enjoy working on vehicles with their own two hands.

Then, because the dealer network evaporated decades ago, PackardV8 is right that we have to be that way about facts and details.

Try getting any technical assistance from GM for any of their products that are more than 10 years old!

Hi All,

Don't know if this is the right place to post this but thought since were talking about 56 engines i thought I'd post the question...

When we pulled the engine out of my 55 Caribbean, the number on the top of the block in 167 (front of block).
At the rear of the engine is a date 1-4-56 (on the top above the casting number at the rear of block) Indicating this is a later model engine. Would these numbers indicate this is a replacemet engine?

There is also no Utica number stamped on the back of the block (well none that I could see).
I have some pics which I will post tomorrow.

Cheers,
Mat

Yes, a '56 casting date block in a '55 would be a replacement block, maybe engine.

FWIW, the great majority of heads and engines coming out of '56 cars will have '55 casting dates.

thnx, jack vines

Mat,

That shouldn't be surprising with your car since is was previously altered with a transmission swap. So who knows what a previous owner may have done. Shouldn't the Utica Engine number match the VN number on 55/56s. If it doesn't then I would imagine that engine was either swapped later, or was a service replacement.