Re: Kick-down switch

Posted by su8overdrive On 2012/7/17 19:35:51

First things first, assuming you haven't already: Did you squirt copious amounts of tuner clean in it, make sure it oozes in there, then work it, check it with a volt/ohmeter?
Certain all the connections are tight, check all wires for continuity, make certain you don't have, assuming your wiring's as it left East Grand 70+ years ago, a rusted/corroded connection/ground?

When/if you had your interior redone, did the upholstery shop lay down thicker underpadding/heavier carpet? Have you recently adjusted or rebuilt any worn
accelerator/carburetor linkage? Just covering all the bases before you replace your kickdown switch. It's not like they got a lotta use, as switches go.

I assumed my kickdown switch stopped working, when a veteran Packard friend reminded me you have to really mash the accelerator to the floor. I hopped in, took it down the road, and it kicked down as Packard and the Great Spirit intended.

Once in a blue moon, if i have need to gear down, as with a traffic slow down on sustained grade, i downshift into second gear overdrive. I never liked that momentary
flooring of the gas pedal. Am i the only one?

Chrysler, in 1940 and/or '41,
had a kickdown button at the end of the column shift lever.

A fellow who drove a '41 Packard Darrin back in the '50s
told me he installed a doorbell button on or under his dash so he could kickdown without flooring the accelerator.

If you really need to replace it, call Steve Messenger at Just Packards, Napa, CA 1 (707) 254-2046. Tell him a black '47 Super Clipper in Walnut Creek sent you.