Re: TrevorK's 1955 Packard Patrician

Posted by HH56 On 2017/10/2 9:57:30
It is and solid state would get rid of the bimetal contacts but possibly not the mechanical set. I have not seen one of the solid state conversions to know exactly how much of the unit was replaced but if you did replace the switch with a conversion one would hope and assume the unit was gone thru and any remaining contacts would be in excellent condition.

Since Packard made the polarity shift in 56, one unresolved question I have is polarity compatibility and, like most solid state units, are the conversions for a specific polarity or not. There was a field change and kit back in the day to install the 56 switch in place of the 55 version to simplify stock and in order to have the weatherproofing enclosure on the terminals. If the conversions go by year of the switch that could be confusing if the solid state replacements are polarity specific by year of switch.

The existence of a kit in the day would seem to indicate there could be many 55s running around with 56 switches. One regions ads are exchange or they convert the buyers original switch and return it. There were advertisements from other sellers of the solid state units to make sure to specify which year to ensure you got the correct item. I don't know if that is to get the switch with the correct terminals to match wires already existing in the car or in order to get the correct polarity or both.

If anyone has a definitive answer as to whether the units are polarity specific or not I would appreciate knowing. I made an inquiry to one seller and never received an answer.

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