Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi Guys:

Just found this thread and thought I would give it a try.

Found a lot of good usefull info out here so I may check in from time to time.

Latest project is a 1956 Clipper Custom. I purchased this out of Charlotte NC along with 5 other Packards (a 55 pat., a 55 clipper 2dr., a 55 400, a 56 400(total disastermobile)
and a 47-50 clipper 2dr(a totally ambitous restoration) along with a 14 foot truck load of parts, grilles bumpers, etc. etc. I will post as complete an inventory as I have on the for sale forum. As to the Clipper, it was put together by a former Packard Employee named David V. Hedger(I am trying to locate a relative). The story that I got from the man I bought the cars/parts from, was that he had spoken to the mans son(but lost the contact info) and that the father had installed a fresh 374 engine and also put on it a set of twin 4bbl carbs. Another modification was the Caribbean twin scoop hood and a senior grille and bumpers. My aim is to clean it up empty out all of the spare trim and such that is inside the car and then try to get it running, steering and stopping and then paint it. Will post pictures when I can.


Talk to most of you later.

ALK: Let me one of the first to give a hardy welcome. You should remember me from the AACA Packard Forum.

YOUR FRIEND

John F. Shireman

Welcome aboard AL,

Plenty of friendly, experienced and knowledgeable Packard people here who are willing to advise and assist.

Can you put your 1956 Clipper Custom in the Owner Registry? And what about a Project Blog where you can track your progress while also being available for other Forum members as it undergoes its metamorphorsis?

Again -

The Clipper is in the registry just without a picture for the time being, I will get to that. I will post progress as it goes. Right now I am trying to get the parts inventoried to get them ready for sale.

Well I am looking for a good (non cracked) set of 54/55 Clipper Taillight Lenses if you have them in your parts cache.

That was one of the first things I looked for. I have none in the parts stash, however the 55 clipper that I got has a bunch of parts inside of the car that I have not yet gone thru and I have to try and get into the trunk without destroying the key lock. Once I do that I will let you know what I find.

I need TWO front torsion level link pins for a 56 with FOUR RINGS.

To get into the trunk without a key is to remove the rear seat back rest and reach in to the latch and lift the actuating rod. OR try several different keys by working them around and in and out. Usualy, especialy if the lock is worn u'll get a hit on about the 10th or twelvth key. The keys repeated about every 1000 locks and wear will bring that down to probably 1:250.

Got any pics of the '47-'50 Packard two door? I may be interested if the price is right.

The thru the trunk method is O.K. if you are not size enhanced as I am, plus I will have to remove a ton of parts from the rear seat area to do that, but that was my first thought. I was not aware of the every tenth key option, but I seem to have enough that I will give that a try.
Thanks

I will send pics as soon as I can remember to bring the disc to work. In the meantime think of the worst nightmare restoration you can think of, got it, this car is worse than that, but it does seem to be all there, except what the rodents have carried away as far as upholstery.