Re: Brighter tail light bulbs

Posted by BigKev On 2009/8/15 2:18:35

The Voltage drop you specify would be correct for a 15ft run from the source (battery) to the point of testing in a perfect environment. But if you look at the wiring schematic for the Packard there are numerous splices, connectors, circuit breaker, the Light Switch, flasher circuit, bulb base, etc. Add 60+ years of corrosion both to the actual wires, and the all the connection points and switch internals and also figure if you are running at night you also have more load through the switch due to the headlights, dashlights, etc. Now add the quality of the bulb socket ground to the mix.

A volt meter at the bulb socket, using the bulb socket's own ground will tell you how much voltage is actually making it there.