Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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The new PW master switch came in yesterday. One of the pins is slightly bent but so it is used. I can't complain though. Its movements are like new. I am lucky it was listed for a Caddy because it was about 55% less than the switches listed for Packard.
I gave it a quick test and it worked the regulator as it should. Now I need to locate some compatible wire connections so I can connect it the right way. I could splice into the old wires but would prefer to replace the wires if I can find the right connectors in the second image.
Posted on: 2023/11/19 14:44
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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That extra PW switch that came with the car does not work. It is probably one of those hydraulic-style switches. The pin pattern matches up but it is not built the same way at all.
I did locate a 53-57 Cadillac switch (no bezel) that matches the Packard switch. It's made by Delta Electic just like the Packard. I'll know more when it arrives. I am currently researching ideas for my radio. It has been ages since I have messed around with a car radio and everything has changed. What have some of you done? I thinking of something Bluetooth w/FM radio but I am not committed to that.
Posted on: 2023/11/14 19:29
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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Well, I did exactly what I was afraid of. I broke the 4-gang power windows switch. You can see it in photo1 below. Also, I inadvertently removed my finger from a spring under one of the switches and sent it flying across my shop.
In photo2 you see the original bezel that came out of this car on the right and the switch on the left was in the trunk of the car when I brought it home. When I place this mystery switch assembly into the original bezel (photo3), it fits like a glove. Also, this switch assembly fits the Packard connector on the wire harness exactly (photo4). So, I get a second chance and will try not to break this other assembly. The pins on a typical GM switch have a different pattern. I have no idea what this one is but I guess it could also be a Packard switch as well. Attach file: photo1.jpg (145.47 KB) photo2.jpg (205.13 KB) photo3.jpg (219.81 KB) photo4.jpg (206.81 KB)
Posted on: 2023/11/11 16:12
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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I stopped by the interior shop this morning. Starting to see some progress.
I need to disassemble all the power window switches and clean them up to make to functional again. Any tips would be appreciated. I would prefer not to screw them up and have to replace something. Attach file: 20231110_100514_resized.jpg (257.82 KB) 20231110_100233_resized.jpg (250.33 KB) 20231110_095632_resized.jpg (288.98 KB) 20231110_095132_resized.jpg (306.08 KB)
Posted on: 2023/11/10 15:49
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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I got a bunch of lights working. All the door jamb switches are doing their job. The headlights work but are not installed yet.
Now I can get back to finishing up the window regulators and glass installed. Attach file: 20231109_142814_resized.jpg (260.48 KB) 20231109_142743_resized.jpg (163.14 KB) 20231109_142734_resized.jpg (255.91 KB) 20231109_142751_resized.jpg (290.90 KB)
Posted on: 2023/11/9 21:39
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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Thanks for all that info. I now have all those lights working with the different door jamb switches. I think I still need to wire in the map light, glove box light, and the small light on the ignition.
I got the tail light seals this week. I am a little confused. I seem to have more seals than needed. There are two that are shaped somewhat alike. One is wide and one is narrow. I know where the narrow one goes but not the thicker one that is marked in red in the image below. Also, I think the long one that is rolle dup goes around the whole thing between the car body and the crome frame.
Posted on: 2023/11/2 14:44
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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I have a new pair of lenses on the way from Gerry. I just assumed that a decent pair would be hard to find. Those exterior parts take a beating.
I have a question about these courtesy lights. If I am reading the wiring image correctly. The light with 1 wire comes on with the tail lights and the one with 2 wires comes on anytime the dome lights are on. Is that correct?
Posted on: 2023/11/1 12:40
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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I have been so careful with these original sidelight lenses trying not to break them and then I bumped this one off the table today and broke off the corner of it.
I have a feeling these are not going to be easy to replace. I have been working on the interior lighting and doors lately. It has been slow progress but it is coming together. I have the interior dome lights working with the headlight switch and the door jamb switches. The headlights and tail & brake lights are working. I need to get all these done before the interior is completed.
Posted on: 2023/10/30 13:18
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Stewart Ballard
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Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
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A few months ago I installed a GM headlight switch. The switch itself is fine but the small threaded part that connects it to the bezel turned out to be way too small. It was only holding on to both parts with maybe 2 threads each. After pulling the switch a few times it just fell out.
I made the part from an existing part (and instructions from Howard) that came with the GM switch. It has a really unique thread (7/16-28). You cannot buy a bolt with that thread anyplace. So I had to make my own. I had to buy a tap and die and a 7/16 steel rod. It only took 3 tries to get it right. I think it cost me about $45 to make this little part. You can see the size difference in the image below. One question for you folks. How are the tail lights grounded? I assume that grounding comes from the metal bulb casing but the tail housing that it fits into does not appear to be metallic. Am I crazy?
Posted on: 2023/10/22 14:26
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Stewart Ballard
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