Parts availability for 1957 Packard

[avantilover]

I'm doing this in advance of a fellow on a Packard website who said he requires parts for a '57 Packard. I suggested he join here and ask as it's basically a tarted up Studebaker.

Are there many bits available?

His name is Scottie, hopefully he'll appear here. Needs glass too as the rear window is the only one undamaged he said.

John Clements
Avantilover, your South Australian Studebaker lover!!!
Lockleys South Australia

[bams50]

Exactly. Tell him to think 57 Studebaker and he'll have the vast majority of what he needs.

Most people get confused because a 56 Packard has just about nothing in common with any Stude

Robert (Bob) Andrews- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys)
Parish, central NY 13131

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[Lothar]

A 1957 Packard is basically a "tarted up Studebaker"? Does someone have an Australian-to-English dictionary handy to translate that remark for me?

1950 Champion 4 Dr.
Holdrege NE

[bams50]

That's a semi-common term here in the states too. Just means dressed up.

Robert (Bob) Andrews- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys)
Parish, central NY 13131

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[Johnnywiffer]

quote:Originally posted by bams50

That's a semi-common term here in the states too. Just means dressed up.

Sure! [)]
"That's pretty good, Sonny, but it ain't the way I heer'd it!"--the 'Old Timer' on 'Fibber McGee and Molly'

John

[Roscomacaw]

Back to John's question, yes, lotsa bits are easy to find. Rear glass for ALL 56 & 57 sedans (Stude & Packard) carries the same part numbers, respective of course, of tinted or clear.


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1963 Cruiser
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President two door

[56H-Y6]

Hi

I gave him a lengthly reply on the PackardInfo Forum, advice on what the '57 Clipper Town Sedan is and how to access restoration and parts resources including using this Forum and joining the SDC.

I did point out there seems to be more interest in and acceptance of those cars within the Studebaker fold than within Packard circles, however unfortunate that might be.

Being interested in both makes and a member of clubs devoted to both, guess that makes me Packardbaker liaison.

I'm just glad to know another one has found an appreciative owner.

Steve

[StudeMichael]

Rather than tarted up I think of a 1957 or 1958 as a badge car. The Lincoln Versialles for example was another badge car that traditional Lincoln owners dispised because it was a dressed up Ford Granada. There are many such examples in automotive history but I think Studebaker was a pioneer of badge cars. I own a 1957 Clipper and like the design. Based on what the designer had to work with he did a great job in my opinion. Having a supercharged Golden Hawk engine is another plus.(one year only for the Clipper - 1957)

The parts that are hard to find for the 1957 Packard are dash pads, seat covers, hoods, script emblems, nice tail light housings, and lower front valance.

[56H-Y6]

Hi StudeMichael

Which '57 Clipper do you have the Town Sedan? Country Sedan?

Right you are, the designers did a fine job in a short time to transform the Presidents into Packard Clippers. Duncan McRae headed Styling at South Bend and with consulation by Dick Teague from the Packard team in Detroit created a very handsome car indeed.

Of the badge engineered cars, the '55 Hudson "Hashes" are really the first in the postwar period. Your mentioning the Lincoln Versailles is only somewhat parallel to the Studebaker-Packard creation of the '57 Clippers. After all, the main reason the South Bend Packards were created was under the direction of C-W trying to salvage some automaking from the disaster of '56, ergo forced to for financial reasons. The cars were intended as interim medium-priced models just to keep the Packard name on the market, not as luxury market vehicles in the '56 Patrician mode. It was the only avenue available to keep the name alive.

Fast forward to the mid-'70's, the Lincoln Versailles was hastily created as a market response to the new smaller Cadillac Seville. As noted, by "dolling-up" a Ford Granada. Unlike S-P in '56, Ford was far from financial distress, could have afforded to create a smaller Lincoln worthy of the name, but didn't bother. The Versailles was just another example of the Lincoln name being ruthlessly marketed for all the dollars it was worth. Now, thirty years later, Lincoln prestige is pretty well gone except for those that think because it cost more it still is a luxury car. They are trying hard to rebuild that reputation against cars like Lexus, M-B and BMW.

Steve

[StudeMichael]

Hello Steve. My 57 is the four door. It was purchased from Nollie Hinton by Dr. Cade. I bought the car from Mrs. Cade shortly after after Dr. Cade passed away. It is rust free but needs everything. When it arrived it had a 259 V8. I built a correct 289 for it that I am about to install. Lionel Stone supplied the blower and many of the parts for supercharger set up so fortunately I have that also.

[58PackardWagon]

I have a ton of parts and have opted to sell my 57 Packard parts so that I can open up some room and better focus on my 58 Packards. About 10 years ago I bought two fully disassembled 57 Packard Sedans and two parts cars. One parts car is almost fully picked apart. The only thing left worth anything is the rear end. So needless to say I have a ton of parts. Please have him give me a call at 612-508-3518 8 am to 9 pm central time.

57 & 58 Packards and Larks

[Warren Webb]

I too have always loved the 57 Packard & felt its styling was tastefully done, especially when compared to the 58. As far as a badge car goes, so what if it was. The first Cadillac Seville in 76 was a redone Nova & was very well received unlike the later Cimmeron which was really hated.

60 Lark convertible
61 Champ
62 Daytona convertible
63 G.T. R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2)
66 Daytona Sport Sedan

[Bill Pressler]

quote:Originally posted by Warren Webb

I too have always loved the 57 Packard & felt its styling was tastefully done, especially when compared to the 58. As far as a badge car goes, so what if it was. The first Cadillac Seville in 76 was a redone Nova & was very well received unlike the later Cimmeron which was really hated.

60 Lark convertible
61 Champ
62 Daytona convertible
63 G.T. R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2)
66 Daytona Sport Sedan

I like '57 Packards too...I'd love a lavender (not sure what they called it) and white, station wagon with stick and overdrive!

The first Seville was based on Nova mechanicals but was much-modified, mechanically and especially, styling-wise, both inside and out. I don't believe that a single piece of trim or sheetmetal outside interchanged with a Nova--same with the interior. The Cimarron was a Cavalier and it was crystal-clear when looking at it. Same with Lincoln Versailles...obviously a Granada with upgraded trim in and out and a Lincoln grille...but absolutely a Granada.

I saw an early Seville in the Car Corral at Hershey and I think the styling has truly stood the test of time. It is beautiful inside too. I also really like the styling of the '79-85 Eldorado--I see a bit of the classic '67-70 version in it--although after '80 wouldn't want one because of the various 'experimental' engines! But that first Seville, and '79-85 Eldo, IMHO are probably the best-styled domestic iron of that time period.

Bill Pressler
Kent, OH
'63 Lark Daytona Skytop R1
'64 Daytona Hardtop

[jimmijim8]

I had an 81 Seville with the 4-6-8 368 cu.in. engine. Some had diesel {not too good} many were converted, My V8-6-4 engine actually worked as it was supposed to. What a fine car that was. I wish I still had it. The following year Cadillac introduced that small aluminum V8. Many people had problems with that engine. More so when they were used in the larger De Villes. The Riv's and Toronados from 79-85 also great cars that shared the same engines in most cases. Some of the Riv's had the turbo 3.8 V6. The mid to late 70's Se Villes were great cars. What's the difference between a Cimarron and a Cavalier? Anybody know? jimmijim

Stude Junkie+++++++Do it right the f$$$$ Time. Never mind. Just do it right. When youre done your done. You'll know it.

[StudeRich]

quote:Originally posted by jimmijim8

What's the difference between a Cimarron and a Cavalier? Anybody know?

Probably about $3000.00 and a couple Cadillac crests!

StudeRich