Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I recently purchased a set of 55 Caribbean Carbs. They need rebuilding. Does anyone have any idea who I can trust this to and ball park figure as to what I should expect to pay for a really good job? It appears that they are in fairly good shape with no missing parts.

I would say take the time and do it yourself, as you'll know exactly what went in them and if they're right or not. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of learning to do it yourself, and know how to fix them if something goes wrong.

Other than that, there was a guy on the (cough) AACA forum (cough) that went by Carbking, he would be who I'd send one to if I couldn't/wouldn't/didn't want to do it myself.

Carbking has never done any work for me but his presense at AACA has been most impressive with his advice. That's who i would choose.
CarbKng has a website with phone number. NEED to call him v-2-v tho. He does not answer emails despite the fact his website has an email address in it. or he never answers my emails.

Daytona Parts down in FL, the company that makes most of the rebuild kits everyone else offers, is simply superb, they've probably done dozens and dozens of sets of Caribbean 4CGs, and in the rare chance you'd have any problems, they are as helpful as anyone could be, up to and including taking the carbs back for re-inspection should that be required. Couldn't recommend anyone higher.

But not inexpensive, about $375 each, more or less.

If it was me, I'd put those original carbs on the shelf and buy a pair of Edelbrock 1403's, 500cfm 4bbls and have a good driveable carb and leave the original ones on the shelf for the next guy. The driveability of the Edelbrocks is second to none, and you won't have any tuning issues like you would with a 4GC. Plus, there's TONS of parts and expertise for the Edelbrock, not so much for a worn out 4GC. Just my

500 or 600cfm for the dual setup?

Summit has 1405 listed as 600cfm with manual choke, 1406 is electric.

1403 is 500cfm with electric choke.

Yes, 1403, my bad. I would definitely go with 500cfm as compared to 600, unless you're building a bad-a$$ 374.

The 4GC carbs aren't terribly difficult to rebuild. Keep in mind that 4-bbl. carbs had only been around for a few years, then. The factory shop manual gives very good instructions. Setting up the 2x4 carbs is a little tricky, though.

Reproduction, yet updated, repair kits for the Rochester 4GCs are available from Daytona Parts Company and other Packard vendors, and I've used them successfully. However, I recommend you thoroughly inspect the contents, without opening the bag (if possible), and report any shortages promptly.

If you were looking for a total carb restoration, I'd recommend CarbKing as he has even reproduced the original brass/copper tags with correct carb numbers. I was advised, however, that those tags were only available as part of his full restoration service.

Thanks for all the information. I will rebuild the carbs myself as suggested. I will not be installing them unless a show is envolved or sell the car. I presently have a single carb installed and am quite happy with it that way. Any suggestions on a god carb cleaner and coating?

Go to the local autoparts store a buy a gallon of carburetor dip with a metal basket in it. You will use that to soak all the metal parts to clean them.

Anything that doesnt clean off the outside you can clean up with a wire brush, and then resoak, Make sure to rinse everything well and blow out all the passages with compressed air.

Eastwood makes several different types of coatings for the outside of the carb.