Understandably forum members who have expressed an interest in some overdrive components have concerns about whether these electrical parts (solenoid, governor and relay) are in working condition. They also legitimately have a problem with my asking price which admittedly are probably too high given that non of these items have been tested to operate and as such are basically cores unless established to be working. In any event I have found some information on how to bench test the solenoid on an R11 unit but not the R9 solenoid or relay. I am looking for information or advice on how best to test these units. My only source for 6 volt power is an old model battery charger which I think will work on the relay since little amperage is required but I don' t know what amperage is required to test the hold in and primary solenoid coils of the solenoid itself. Any help appreciated as always.

Howard, The mirrors on my 1947 Super Clipper were mounted exactly like those on JW''s Custom and it was a very original car as well. They too were mounted with sheet metal screws. If I can locate a photo I will post it.

Wow, I' could almost be tempted to start a bar fight to get a ride in that Paddy Wagon.

If you take a photo of the engine we might be able to tell the origin of the engine. In North America the most common hot rod transplanted engine is the Chevrolet small block V8 , most commonly the 350. Packard station wagons such as this car are quite rare and very desirable in original form. I can't speculate on the value of this car in its present shape since it has been so heavily modified. A whole lot depends on how well the modifications were made , paint quality,,interior, etc. In any event it would have no or little value to a collector of original condition Packards sadly.

I bought a set of 4 similar ones for my Pacakrd and they were virtually useless, in fact one of them bent under the weight. They might have been OK for a snowmobile or even. Small car but for a car the size of a Packard make sure the wheels are big.

Desarba, If the car indeed has a V-8 engine then that is an incorrect non original engine for the car. The engine in the car originally would have been an 8 cylinder inline engine. If you could get a photo of the engine that is in the car I am confident someone on the forum will be able to tell what model or type on engine it is. For your information I have attached a photo of a Packard engine of the type that was originally in the car.

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Probably should ask what model was it...?

"It appealed especially to young families, seating for 4 or 5 at less cost than a sedan and without the concern of the kiddies and the back door."

Dave, Your comment brought back the memory of my then 4 year old sister falling out through the rear driver side "suicide" door of my grandfather's 1939 Pontiac back in the early 1950's. The car was travelling slowly over a set of railway tracks and the door swung open sending my sister out onto the road. Luckily for all concerned no cars we coming in the opposite direction or following close and she had only a few bruises as a result. The car was shortly traded in for a 1949 2 door Plymouth.

I have used the Crane hi-6 ignition systems on three of my cars including a Hyundai Pony and a Volvo 240 with point ignition. All three cars were used in winter months with temps as low as -40F. I think that the Crane offered improved winter starting over the conventional point/ coil systems. I thought about adapting the Crane Hi-6 to my 47 Packard but since it was a 6 volt system it would not have worked and I certainly wasn't going to convert the car to 12 volt and besides never used the car in winter months anyway. I think if your Packard is 12 volt system and you drive the car in winter months a HEI or capacitive discharge system like the Crane HI -6 might not be a bad idea . I have never had a problem with the Crane system in more than 10 years of constant service. The HEI in my GMC Motorhome which is 29 years old has also never let me down.

Ben, Please note that this thread occurred more than 7 years ago. Turbopackman has not been a regular on this site for several years. If he is lurking he may respond otherwise perhaps others who have some experience with this conversion will assist.