Re: Stewart
Posted by HH56 On 2023/5/22 15:32:49
Quote:
Here is another option if your universal switch cannot be modified or will not work to become a stock looking install.
If you cannot fix your original Packard switch, at least both new and used headlight switches are still available -- although NOS are getting expensive. My issue with the original switch is the rheostat and courtesy light wiper section and the rivet connections between terminals and the wiper pieces wants to corrode if the car sits. Once corrosion starts it seems to be a recurring issue and if a car sits for an extended period the dash lights become erratic if they work at all.
After cleaning a switch only to have dash lights fail again a few months later I installed a GM style headlight switch on my 56. It was not hard to do but did take a little bit of work. Also did a bit extra and made a short pigtail connector assy so the Packard bullet terminals would not need modifying to work with GM style quick disconnect tab terminals. That way the next owner can easily go back to an original switch if desired.
The writeup date says I did the mod in 2011. Car has sat in the garage for the majority of time since then and probably has not had the headlights turned on more than once or twice since the mod. Just went out a few minutes ago to try the lights for the first time in years and the dash lights still worked perfectly. Only thing I would do differently if I did it again is work on a different shim method or maybe build up the end of the shortened triangular GM shaft to make the end round to better match it to the round Packard knob hole and retainer.
Attach file:
Headlight switch.pdf Size: 501.30 KB; Hits: 35
Stewart Ballard wrote:
My head light switch came a part in my hands yesterday. It is in about 6 pieces.
I have one of those universal switches but it won't work with the original bezel. Just my luck.
Here is another option if your universal switch cannot be modified or will not work to become a stock looking install.
If you cannot fix your original Packard switch, at least both new and used headlight switches are still available -- although NOS are getting expensive. My issue with the original switch is the rheostat and courtesy light wiper section and the rivet connections between terminals and the wiper pieces wants to corrode if the car sits. Once corrosion starts it seems to be a recurring issue and if a car sits for an extended period the dash lights become erratic if they work at all.
After cleaning a switch only to have dash lights fail again a few months later I installed a GM style headlight switch on my 56. It was not hard to do but did take a little bit of work. Also did a bit extra and made a short pigtail connector assy so the Packard bullet terminals would not need modifying to work with GM style quick disconnect tab terminals. That way the next owner can easily go back to an original switch if desired.
The writeup date says I did the mod in 2011. Car has sat in the garage for the majority of time since then and probably has not had the headlights turned on more than once or twice since the mod. Just went out a few minutes ago to try the lights for the first time in years and the dash lights still worked perfectly. Only thing I would do differently if I did it again is work on a different shim method or maybe build up the end of the shortened triangular GM shaft to make the end round to better match it to the round Packard knob hole and retainer.
Attach file:
Headlight switch.pdf Size: 501.30 KB; Hits: 35This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=257195