Packard / Studebaker

You have been given a bum steer. Your '56 Packard Clipper was built in Detroit without any Studebaker components. '57 & 58 packards were assembled in So Bend with Studebaker components.

No Barry, he wasn't. He said the serial number started with 57L.

Chip

Here is another site:

Arnie, what you have is actually a 1957 Packard Clipper, which, as others have already pointed out, is really a "badge-engineered" Studebaker President.

It may say 1956 on your title, because some states used the date of issuing the title to assign a model year.

When you order parts, ask for parts to fit a '57 Packard, because that's what it is, or should be, listed as in the catalogs. You could also order parts for a '57 Studebaker President, because that's the Studebaker model closest in equipment to your car. For the parts you listed, I'm unaware of any differences. If you order parts for a '56 Packard, nothing will fit, unless by sheer coincidence.

Does your car have a supercharger on it? I believe it should, but I may be mistaken. The engine should be a 289 cu. in. Studebaker V8.

I second the suggestion that you join the Studebaker Drivers Club, or at least visit their website,

All the parts you listed above, and many more are available from any one of several major parts vendors, many of whom are linked from the SDC website. You are likely to experience nothing but frustration if you go to a typical auto supply dealer and ask for Studebaker or Packard parts, UNLESS you have a good working relationship with a gray-headed counterman who knows how to use those old-fashioned paper catalogs.

Good luck with your Packardbaker, as they are sometimes called.

Gord Richmond

Unless you are ordering trim or supercharger stuff, call it a 57 Studebaker if you like. In the long run, buy the chassis and body parts book.

larry wrote:

Where are you located? There might be help at hand.

Karl (San Diego, where there is a local SDC Chapter)

giving me tips and info about my car. Everybody

I've been looking for a local SDC chapter. San Diego is close to me. I'm in Riverside Calif. Who can I contact to join. Arnie

Here a contact list for California:

larry wrote:

giving me tips and info about my car. Everybody