How to determine...

Posted by Packard Illiterati On 2014/10/19 11:49:50

... if my car originally came with power or standard steering.

I bought '53 Patrician from a yard, and the steering gear, engine, and trans were already gone when I bought the engine. I've recently found the steering column parts in the trunk, but with little knowledge learned about Packards to this point, I haven't a clue how one discerns what type of steering the car may have come with having so little to work from.

About all I have for clues is the shaft, and the gear's mounting bolt pattern on the frame rail. I'm guessing the bolt patter is identical regardless of steering type? If these cars ever came with build sheets in them, I doubt one still exists in mine.

For whatever it may be worth, I've noted this car was apparently ordered with a lot of options due to the parts I have identified. No power windows or seats, but everything else seems to point toward a buyer who wanted about as much as they could get their mitts on.

Any help will be of great help.

Warm regards!