Steering play and a hot under dash light bulb unit

Posted by George40 On 2009/11/10 22:39:01

My "new" 1940 Packard 160 (model 1377) has a lot of steering play - about six inches. I think it's too much and have started looking for a rebuilt steering box. Does anybody have any experience (including diagrams, etc,) installing a rebuilt unit and how much play is still acceptable. Right now it feels like I have to anticipate the turns in the road rather than drive properly!

Also, I have a metal light bulb unit below the dash and to the right of the steering column that gets very hot to the touch. Based on my reading of the manuals it seems that it might be the econo-drive indicator but I thought this indicator goes on at about 22 miles per hour and does not stay lit when the car is at rest. This light goes on when I start the car and stays lit. The entire unit holding it, which is made of metal, gets very hot. I am very concerned as to why this unit gets so hot. Is something wrong here? There is a knob between the steering column and the light which looks like it may be the econo-drive control. I am attaching a picture of that light assembly. (not sure if I am attaching properly)

Thanks for any help!

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