Re: 1941 Packard Clipper Eight Special Sedan

Posted by HH56 On 2016/7/30 8:51:42

I have heard of optima I may well give one of them a look. just worried about cranking power.

A single 6v Optima has a considerable amount of power and most find it satisfactory. If there is concern you might check out Tinman_70s project blog at the PAC site for his adaption of two Optima batteries in parallel for increased capacity on the large engines. He recently posted some photos in his blog so will be on one of the last pages. The batteries fit nicely in the long tray and with his custom made cover has an almost look of the original long battery.

As Mal said, Electromatic was an option. It was new for 41 so Packard was promoting and calling attention to its availability in many ways. If no other option needed the space they could have installed the knob on a fixed stem to fill the hole and remind the driver of things he might have had. If the car originally had the option and it was removed, the switch might actually be present and knob will move when it is pulled out. I believe the relays were fairly high on the firewall so there might be some empty holes. Also, 41 units had switches located on the side of the transmission and those might still be present.

On the turn signals, if the car had the option Clippers would have separate bulbs in the rear. Non equipped cars only had space for a single bulb in the tail light housing. If the car had turnsignals, the single bulb housing was swapped for one having two holes for the sockets -- one above the other. The operating lever bolted onto the switch so it is possible it was removed or broken off. If you have a mysterious roughly 6mm stub under the wheel opposite the gearshift lever that might be a possibility. If nothing but an empty or plugged hole is found then the switch is not present.