Re: Brian's 1956 Packard Clipper

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2019/5/29 18:14:28

Hello Mal

Yes, of course you're right. I was talking with some friends last night who also reminded me that the turn signal stalk on Australian cars was usually on the right of the column. European RHD cars were normally on the left. Maybe Packard were just falling in line with European practice on the RHD Clipper. When column shift came to the Packards (1939?), it was on the right of the column so it may just have been habit.

I was also reminded that vacuum wipers were in use much longer than I recalled. They were gone by the time my parents' EJ Holden appeared, but apparently were on most of the earlier Holdens. My early transport was things like Simca's which had a floor mounted gear change and no turn signals.

So now I'm wondering exactly when the electric wipers appeared on my Clipper. I had assumed it was delivered new like that, but it may have been changed when the oil pump was replaced and no more vacuum to be had. I'll take a closer look at the plumbing on the engine - may give a clue.

Obviously, electric wipers were not unknown to Packard. The 1941 120 Club Coupe had them.

Cheers

Brian