Guest imported_Speedster Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 When I bought my '56 Clipper it had a Trailer-Hitch on it, but I took it off when I pulled bumpers for ReChromeing. I had left it out in the weather but when I looked at it the other day I saw that it was still in good shape, so thought I might clean it up, paint it and put it back on the car. (I could have it chromed but it wasn't originally) I would like to know if it was a factory option or an aftermarket item? Did Packard offer Trailer Hitches as an option at factory or dealers? (It was made just for Packard cars, since it mounts at bolts that hold bumper brackets on) If I remember correctly, Hitches were a Dealer option, Correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCraigH Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 Rick L: If you're going to put the trailer hitch back on just for looks, great. But don't tow anything with it. I've heard from several sources that towing *whatever* behind a T-U was the surest way to burn it up. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />BTW, my 1956 Panther (nee Clipper) had a trailer hitch on it, but it was welded into the frame. It must have been some aftermarket add on. Anyway, I cut it off and discarded it, returning the frame rails to near original. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_PackardV8 Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 post a pic of the hitch. I'd like to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Harlin Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 RickL I've been around Packards since 1940 & never seen any trailer hitch kits or towing packages. Going back that far those owners probably wouldnt think of towing with a Packard. I doubt, if there were any, & never seen towing untill they became an unwanted orphan. Like Craig stated, towing with an Ultramatic would be risky & I wouldnt. We used a 55 "400 HT to tow bar a 55 Panama that we raced but it had a std. trans. Using a tow bar didnt effect rear weight, so no problems with the TL. load. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted October 10, 2004 Share Posted October 10, 2004 Thanks for the Great Info about Hitches. After hearing your replys I have about desided that it would be more trouble than it was worth to put it back on. I doubt that I would ever need it for towing anyway. It's just that it fit the frame perfectly and was assembled with professional looking welds, it looked like a factory item. I'll try to get a picture of it tomorrow, it was raining here today and I had to assemble another computer for my wife anyway. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted October 11, 2004 Share Posted October 11, 2004 It still hasn't stopped raining here, so I took pictures of '56 Trailer Hitch in workshop. The red color is a combination of primer and rust. The tab on side of mount is for lights connector. The only strange thing about it is that the chain rings are not welded perfectly parallel. (one further back than the other) Maybe I'll sell it on ebay. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (Man, the shipping charge will be outrageous). <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Click Attachment for Picture: If anyone has seen this type hitch before, I sure would like to know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 I removed an aftermarket trailer hitch from my original one owner 1956 400 when I first got the car four years ago. The original owner had it put on to tow a boat. It certainly was not a factory option. Joel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 Hello, Joel Do you remember if your hitch mounted at the bumper-bracket-bolts?Did it look like the one in Picture? I would like to find out, for sure, if mine is an aftermarket hitch or made by an owner, just for this car? Do you know if bumper brackets and frame width are the same for 400 and Clipper? I think they are different, Correct? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCraigH Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 I'm pretty sure the bumper brackets and the frame width is the same for Seniors and Juniors in 1955-56. I have one of each in my garage, but I'll have to go out and eyeball each to be 100% certain. I'll let y'all know if there's any diff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 I remember that all the holes lined up with existing bolts so there was nothing extra drilled on the car. The width of all the cars is the same. Joel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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