Re: Hydraulics...how common are they?

Posted by HH56 On 2011/6/15 9:26:52

A good question on the window adoption rate. I don't think I ever saw a figure. Do believe part of the postwar philosophy of Packard was "let the customer buy what they want" because on the less expensive models, almost everything was an option and on the higher end models, even such basics in a luxury car as an automatic trans or in this case, their signature Ultramatic could be dropped and a standard substituted.

The postwar pumps were pretty generic with only a few mfgs making them -- virtually the same units for most of the car companies offering the system. I think Packard used Dura pumps. A lot less complex electrically and mechanically with the pump only running in one direction to provide pressure for lift. Springs and gravity taking care of the down. Even the seat was spring and foot pressure return. The convertible top was the only thing powered in both directions & used a reversing valve for that function.