Re: Peter Wherrett's 1956 Packard Review

Posted by BH On 2010/2/3 12:38:48

I've found several references to export equipment in the 55-56 parts book, but nothing specific to RHD. On the other hand, old Studebaker parts books that I examined during my tour of duty at Avanti made frequent reference to "RHC". Perhaps Studebaker had a grater volume of export to merit the inclusion of parts for those cars, rather than some separate publication.

However, I doubt if there are very many parts required to make the RHD conversion in these Packards - over and above any other (LHD) export model. Clearly, some sort of filler would be needed for the former steering column opening at the bottom of the i/p. I suspect the rest of the panel was simply cut and redrilled. Could the decorative screen simply have been flipped (mirrored)? Then, if not a completely different front harness, wiring extensions euld be needed for the relocated for gauges and controls. Since no P/S, perhaps only a different gearbox was needed for steering. Certainly, new shift linkage (non-pushbutton) and brake lines would be needed for the relocated column and brake unit. Some sort of new rod might be needed to connect the relocated gas pedal to the balance of the existing throttle linkage. If power windows were available, could the door harness be flipped to support relocation of the master switch?

Meanwhile, I crackd the Brooklands' Packard Gold Portfolio open because I recalled at least one [/i]bona fide[/i] RHD V8 model therein, but they were both Clippers. One article had a nice interior view of the RHD front compartment. I agree that it would be just as possible to convert Sr. as Jr. to RHD, but perhaps the lack of P/S, though optional on all Seniors, was seen as a sticking point.