I have not worked on my 1956 yet but I understand that the boxes were quite different for 1955. Is it possible that one of yours is that type?

The last thing you probably want to do is to pull engine compartment air into the passenger compartment even if it is filtered. That said, the cooling system is designed for air to pass in through the radiator so bringing it in separately won’t help and defeats the purpose of the cooling system. I used to drive my 1954 Patrician all the time at freeway speeds in hot Northern California and never any heat problems to the aluminum head or to anything else. The worry of the aluminum head is corrosion, not heat, so that’s a better place to focus your attention. As long as the cooling system is in good condition, you’re fine.

I don’t know if it would help you or not, or even if they would fit a 22nd or 23rd series Packard but I have several of the larger 20” fans as used on ‘53 and ‘54 with factory A/C. These look just like the stock fan but are larger for better air flow.

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Nothing wrong with that! I used to drive Packards as everyday cars too although not always the same one. There was a couple in the Packard Club who had only Packards (his and hers) so when the Nor Cal region had a Brand X get together at a member’s home in San Jose, CA, they had to drive one of their Packards! They had a 1947 Super Eight touring sedan (his) and a 1955 Panama (hers) but also a 1955 or 1956 Four Hundred that he was restoring.

8AWG wire would be overkill for the solenoid wire! In any event, I have never had any trouble with any Carter carburetor starter switches so it may just needs to be disassembled and cleaned. If done and while it’s off, spray some carburetor cleaner into the hole to be sure that the actuator ball is free. I’ve not worked on one for some time but also be sure the ball doesn’t fall out when the switch is removed and there is also a relatively small spring to watch for.

Having said that, I’m not so sure that’s where the problem is. As others have said, it sounds like a problem with the battery itself so before chasing phantoms, take it in to be checked which may mean leaving it there for the day. Napa will do it for you if you have one nearby. Quick checks may tell you something but the deep discharge tests are far better but take time.

All my Packards from 1939 and up to 1954 had them! I thought my 1956 did too but maybe mistaken.

You might be right, I was possibly thinking of my 1954 which I am also working on.

As I've said in other posts, do not go by what the vendors have listed. Most of their online stuff was put there years ago when the sites were created, then not updated much if at all. Call or email them. I know Max Merritt carries them because I just recently bought one.

I agree with Leeedy and others that Heli-coils or an equivalent thread repair are the way to go and use stainless..

The springs should all be the same, or at least they are on my 1956 and on all my earlier cars.