A/C is definitely in the cards down the road. I live on the Gulf Coast. My prior questions were geared toward the possibility of finding a 12v negative ground wiring schematic in the archives to follow while building my harness. I'll just convert my print. Just playing out options. I do way too much thinking.

The reason for my questions is I'd like to convert my '51 200 I8 to 12v negative ground. My wiring harness is shot and already needs to be replaced so any reason why I shouldn't convert it now?

If most were positive ground years ago, what changed all manufacturers decision to switch later on?

Just curious,
Were their any 12 volt Packards with the I8 built out of the factory?
Were their any negative ground Packards built from the factory?

Yes

I feel your pain. I pulled my '51 200 out of the garage before the Christmas holidays in hopes of seeing if I could get it running. Still no success, but I haven't given too much effort either. My starter, fuel pump, carburetor and fuel lines all removed. Had starter tested, good! Cleaned up carb, fuel pump and starter and installed. Same as yours, my wiring is bare in many places. I installed a new 8 volt battery and starter turned over. Found no spark at points. Replaced points and condenser. Now starter won't turn engine over. Solenoid operates, but flywheel doesn't move. I have removed spark plugs and can ratchet the engine by hand, but still no Bueno. I'm thinking about converting to 12 volts with negative ground mainly so I can install a/c down the road. I'll keep trying to get it started before I change anything. Enjoy following your progress. Good luck.

Anybody know for sure if a thermostat housing off a '48 Super 8 will work on my '51 288? The cross reference parts list shows the gasket to be the same. I read the above posts and think I've narrowed things down and then someone offers a part that is questionable as far as being compatible. I don't mind buying the brass repro, but if his will work, I'm good.

Thx for the heads up on a part, but not sure it will work on my '51 according to the above post. Anybody have further info?

Thanks, I will order a brass one. Again thanks for the info.

Thanks...anybody out there have one they don't need?