Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BigKev On 2010/9/10 22:16:01

With the basic trunk stuff done (except for the license plate and backup lights), I moved back inside the car to finish building up the under dash harnesses.

A couple of changes and additions I had to make to the aftermarket harness. First the alternator exciter wire is fed from a switched 12v source to the alternator in the default harness setup. I cut this wire and grouped both halves of it with the dash cluster group. The two halves will connect to the "Gen" light.

I also had to add a wire that runs from the headlight switch grouping to the dash cluster grouping for the dash lights. Also spliced off that same dash light wire to run a wire with the column group for the shift quadrant light, and another wire with the ignition wire grouping for the ignition switch light. I ran an addition wire as I am sure I am missing another dash light somewhere, so I have the wire ready to go.

I also had to add a wire for all the Courtesy light grounds. This extends back to the dome light in the rear, the "B" pillar manual switch, and of course the front door pillar switches. It also connects to the ground on the headlight switch and the courtesy light under the dash. So if this wire ground anywhere along those points, it completes the circuit and turns on the dome light and under dash courtesy light.

I also had to splice into the power feed for the Dome light and feed it over to the under dash Courtesy light. That power wire will also extend over to the glove box light, which operates on it's own unrelated ground switch.

I also checked the black wire that feed up with the column group. It indeed does connect to the quadrant dash light. It appears you have to basically take the column apart to change the bulb as it is inaccessible by removing the quadrant cover. The light bulb is wrapped in a blueish-green plastic and it makes the only the pointer glow green. This is even visible during the day when turned on. I fed it with 12v to test it, and it glowed steady. So I going to leave the old bulb in there for now. When I take apart the column to replace the shift and turn signal arm I will change it out at that time.

Only wire I am unsure what to with at this time is the Hazard wire. I may just tape it off for now until I figure out the best way to incorporate it. I guess I need to look at a GM diagram to see how that is wired up. It is supposed to the Hazard power pin on the dash connector on a GM car. Obviously the Packard column doesn't have this. I wonder if it triggers off of a ground or power signal.