Re: need new battery in 1936 120B coupe

Posted by Peter Packard On 2011/7/7 7:59:31

Hi Craig, I am intrigued with your decision to go back to 6V instead of the 8V Battery. I went for an 8 volt battery in my 38 SIX (Richards Body) for 5 years but ended up going back to 6V for the following reasons:

. Prior to 1939, Junior Packards did not have a Temperature compensating voltage regulator. A 6 Volt battery normally requires approx 8 Volts charge ( headlights on) with a warmed up regulator to maintain a 7.5 volt EMF for 3 wet cells. The same voltage regulator on start-up produces around 9.5 volts for a minute or so until the regulator warms up. An 8 Volt battery requires approx 11 Volts charge (headlights on) to maintain a 10 volt EMF for 4 wet cells. The same voltage regulator on start up produces around 11.75 volts for a minute or so until the regulator warms up. From bitter experience I can assure you that if you start a 38 Packard with the two pole regulator at night and switch the headlights on within 30 seconds,, you will take a FLASH of the neighbourhood and blow all of your lights.

. Prior to 1939, Junior Packards did not have headlight relays and the headlight current wnet through the headlamp switch. The excessive current on changing to 8 volts caused my switch to emit a burning smell even after the regulator was wasm , due to the increased current and (on the positive side ) effectiveness.

I applaud your decision to go back to 6V but would suggest headlight relays and Quartz Halogen 6 V bulbs to greatly assist your nighttime navigation Peter toet