Re: 12 volt conversion lessons learned

Posted by fred battle On 2009/4/10 23:45:40

That is a rationale that I hear a lot when strolling around the weekend car shows in Southern California at some park with all the shine and Do Not Touch signs on the windshields. See all the "trailer queens" with their trailers parked around the corner or actually drove to the park from 25 miles away. What drive the Packard to work daily (night on the freeway, rain?),use it on a vacation more that an hour away from home, not travel in a caravan, no 6 volt jumper from AAA, reinstall the fabric cover copper wire loom, etc. These cars are restored examples of Packards for show and shine, people admire the showroom condition of these cars, but not to be actually driven as a family sedan for transportation because you do not want to risk it...it is so original and it cost a fortune and years to get it to this level of restoration.

I want my son and grandson/daughter to experience the enjoyment I did in my fathers 1950 Packard sedan driving to visit relatives, feeling the engine pull hills in igh gear without a sound, taking trips to the state parks, as the Packard was originally designed to do when 6 volt systems were new and plentiful. Today 12 volt systems and accessories (AM-FM & CB radios, GPS portable devices, cell phone chargers), bright headlights, powerful alternators..the very reasons you will drive you Jap luxury car instead of the Packard.

People will see your Packard in the park 2 maybe 3 times a year. Mine will be in the employee parking lot... each day.