Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Looking for a replacement set of spark plug wires for my 1951 288. Any good sources out there?

Oh yeah, it has a Delco-Remy distributor.

You can buy sets made specifically for your car (though they may not be totally authentic), you can buy "universal" sets where you will have to trim some lengths to get a proper fit, or you can just buy bulk wire and the terminal ends and make up your own. Kanter's and Max have pre-made sets, among others. I see bulk wire spools perpetually on eBay and auto parts or motorcycle shops also will sell it along with the terminal ends if you go that route. NAPA (Belden brand) has "universal" kits and no doubt so do AutoZone and others, though these will almost certainly be of the "resistor wire" type.

Were it mine, I'd go with braided copper core wire (not resistor wire) and go with resistor spark plugs if radio performance is important.

Although rubber boots over the plug ends were not standard equipment, they were available from Packard and are listed in the parts book, should you like them - they may offer some advantage in starting in very wet conditions.

I'm making a set for my 39 120. Car Quest had the bulk copper core wire and the crimp on connectors. Just be sure to buy a good crimping tool, as trying to crimp the connectors with pliers just doesn't work as well. I'll go out to the garage and get the tool name and model that I borrowed from my mechanic buddy.

The tool is made by Accel, and is made for cutting and crimping spark plug wires. Here is where you can get one:
http://www.amazon.com/ACCEL-170037-Superstock-Crimp-Tool/dp/B001HQEC2S

Check out the Brillman catalog, too. It's like a candy store for ignition parts.

Thanks for the sources. I'm also going to send my brother-in-law to the Brillman site to look stuff for his antique tractors!