Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

This is not a modification, hence posting it in the 1955-56 section.

The front lower bumper on my Panther (nee Clipper) was bent quite a bit on the bottom. This is typical of 1955-56 Packards of the era because drivers would run into curbs and things which would impact them. In addition, the stock bumper jack would cause the lower metal to bend because it is relatively thin and unreinforced in the jacking area. Here are some pictures of the lower bumper after I tried unsuccessfully to straighten it.





I called an old friend of mine who had his 1964 GTO restored which required some bumper straightening and rechroming. He recommended <i>Verne's Chrome</i> in Gardena, CA. I sent the bumper there after first sending pictures and talking with the owner, Ron Verne. I got it back after a couple of weeks and here is the result.




In the case of my Panther, I will be having the lower front bumper painted body color, but Verne's does rechroming too.

Craig

Are you going to add any reinforcement to the lower bar as Fred mentioned doing to some of his cars? That might be a nice thing to document for others facing a similar situation.

Howard,

No reinforcement because I'll never use a bumper jack on it.

Craig