Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400

Posted by HH56 On 2023/8/31 10:23:47

When first starting this project I searched all the sites selling widow motors I could find looking for a motor with something approaching the correct pinion and that was easy to find and not too expensive. Someone had mentioned a Jaguar motor would work but he didn't remember the year or any specifics and during the search I was unable to find anything close even listed for Jaguar.

Problem with finding a modern motor to work the original regulator is the 6 tooth pinion Packard used. That configuration was apparently not that popular with anyone else and has become obsolete. The original pinion is almost like a 6 tooth ladder chain sprocket whereas a 9 tooth gear seems to be the lowest any modern car and motor use. Even a length of standard gear stock where you can cut off a piece and add a shaft to make a gear doesn't seem to be available in a 6 tooth count or anything close to the proper diameter.

The Dorman motor I first used had a 9 tooth removable gear and a square drive socket it fit into. Original idea was to have a piece made with a square shaft to fit in the Dorman socket but longer and with a new sprocket on the end. Started talking with Riki about what could be made.

Riki started working on the project to see what he could do with that idea but it was proving difficult and almost looking as if a custom gear would need to be made. Then he came came up with the fairly easy solution of using the existing pinion from the old motor and making a simple round adapter as a transition piece. That way it could be made to work with a motor of almost any tooth count. His first effort was not that successful because of the torque in the motor so also needed some refinement. As far as I know the second or third piece he made is still working. Am glad to see you decided to try the modern motor approach so with all your experiments, if you have come up with something even easier or simpler by all means please share it.

I know used motors are still out there and not that hard to find. Some wonder why bother but the original motors will become scarce and already are expensive so it is just a matter of time.