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I am trying to find out when my '55 Clipper Custom Sedan rolled off the line at Conner Ave. in 1955. After much searching in different places on the car I have never located the build sheet anywhere. I do know that the engine block and heads were cast in June of '55 and the numbers match the VIN. The last four digits in the VIN are 7889 so it was fairly late in the run for Clipper Custom since there were just over 8K built. Anyone with a Clipper Custom that has a VIN close to mine that knows when their car came off the line?

I don't seem to recall that the build strip, taped to the top of the glove compartment, had any date - just model/serial numbers and option codes.

Though the complete production record, kept on file at the factory, would have been dated, only those for the 56th Series are known to have survived.

Not sure about '55s, the back of the clocks that I've removed from my '56s have month and year stamped on the back in ink. That's not necessarily the same as the vehicle build, but would give you some idea.

Others have found dates scrawled in chalk/crayon/paint in various locations such as the firewall, door trim panels, and frame.

Dave

Did you look for tags on the upholstery? A friend found them on his '56 when he had his car reupholstered. I don't remember if you can find them without taking the covers off though.

Regards

John Harley

I found part of the build sheet for my 1955 Clipper Super Touring Sedan (5542 4985) under the front carpet on top of the transmission hump. It is a wonder there was this much left of the sheet, given the condition of the carpet and jute backing.

(o[]o)

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My 5406 was built in dec, '53. I know this b/c it;s stamped on the frame, the inside door panels..and the windows have the date etched. You can check that, look at the etching on the side window corners and see what it says.

John,

Your skerrick of build sheet somehow reminds me of the Shroud of Turin. And I'm sure it's just as holy to you as the shroud is for millions worldwide!

My 5406 was built in dec, '53. I know this b/c it;s stamped on the frame, the inside door panels..and the windows have the date etched.

Bobby, unfortunately none of those dates establish when the car was actually "built", they only establish the date of manufacture of the individual components that were then brought to East Grand to await installation in a car at some point in the future.

Using JHH's comment above about dates on seat upholstery, in my case that date is about 2 months before the actual date of assembly as shown on the build slip or shipping order. The clock and frame dates predate assembly by more than 4 months. Never did check the glass dates.

Quote:

Mal,

When I worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, I became acquainted with a scientist who was on one of the teams to analyze the shroud. His, and the team's conclusions were that their findings were inconclusive as to the origin of the shroud or its stains.

The remanent of the build sheet was an unexpected discovery, and is being preserved for the next owner. A verifiable touchstone to the beginning.

(o[]o)