Re: dashboard

Posted by HH56 On 2021/12/17 9:55:43

Very true on bypassing the dash entirely to just see if the motor will start. A couple of things to remember if the 47 is in stock condition.

The original coil is not like those used on more familiar cars with the two exposed terminals near the high voltage lead tower for connection to the ign switch and distributor. 47 coil is mounted on the firewall and the terminal you will need to power with an alligator clip is on the base of the coil which is accessed from inside the car. If the ign switch was taken out with the rest of the dash the terminal may be visible but if the ignition switch or at least the armoured cable is still attached, it will be covered by a plate which connected the armored cable and ign switch which must be removed. Packard used Autolite or Delco so depending on coil brand there are either folded over tabs which must be bent out straight to remove the cover or it will need to twist off.

On connecting to the starter solenoid, if the engine is a 6 or the small 282 eight the solenoid is the typical variety most often seen mounted on top of the starter with one small terminal on top for the start command wire. You could just touch the alligator clip to that terminal. If the car is the Super or Custom eight with the 356 engine the solenoid is the pinion shift type and there are two small terminals for the start command which are positioned on the solenoid front end above the two large terminals for battery and motor. If there is old wiring connected, one of those terminals has the wire from the starter switch and the other is a ground connection. If the starter safety circuit is intact the ground side wire will be going to the voltage regulator but if the safety circuit has been bypassed it will go directly to a metal ground somewhere. You will need to verify which wire is going to the starter switch on the carburetor and touch the alligator clip to that wire and terminal only. If nothing is already connected you will need to provide a ground to one terminal and touch the alligator clip to the other.