Peter packard wrote:
" Risk Management is the key to survival in any vehicle, old or ".

Precisely the point of my previous post. The spring is either broken or it is not. It either works or it does not work. It's called the law of "excluded middle". Kind of like On and Off. NOT kind of broken or sort of broken or somewhat broken. If it breaks there is NO, NONE , NOT ANY brakes whatsoever. There is NO forewarning!!! There is no recourse for pumping or slamming the pedal to achieve braking affect.

This is simply NOT true of the more convenventional piston and seal type cylinders wheather dual or single. If the seal becomes deficient then it tends to happen rather slowly by wearing at the sealing edge of the seal. USUALY the conventional type will (on FiRST WARNING) fail on a lite to moderate pedal pressure. When it goes to the floor the first reaction is to release and SLAM the pedal as hard as possible to the floor. This sudden and extreme act tends to expand the seal a little more allowing for adequate braking effect. OR a pumping action of the pedal.

Again, If the TV spring fails then there is NO brakes!!! NO RECOUrSE!!! NO WARNING!!!! NO NOTHING!!

I really do not know how to explain it any more plainly nor clearly than that.

Greetings, Eric,

It is to be hoped your simple solution is permanent. Question. If there is a spacer between the two pulleys, then the outer portion is no longer an interference fit and thus is un-supported. Am concerned the sheet metal might eventually fatigue.

Second point, even though the harmonic balancers you mention have the same bore diameter as the Packard, none of them are cantilevered way out as is the bad-science Packard design. I am using a Ford Racing balancer on my hot rod engine. If you want to try one, I have an extra. It does require using a different water pump and grinding off the timing tab from the front cover.

thnx, jv.

Your logic is correct. This is a common failure with the switch--particularly if it's been around silicone fluid. NOS available but pricy. There's a VW replacement some have had luck with (113945515G) that has different terminals--blade vs the round bullet type--so if you have blades, perhaps someone has already switched.

Another option is to convert to full mechanical operated by brake pedal. The picture shows one method of mounting and the parts I used. Mr. Berger sourced the Standard aftermarket switch at his local parts store.

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Dave,

Thanks for the offer, but the 51-54 Manual is already online here. So no sense it going through that marathon of scanning. But I do appreciate the offer.

Try Kanters, or Tucson Packard. I belive they had a stock of correct jacks last time I checked. They wanted something like $100 for them.

Kev. I have a complete service manual for the 1951-54 models which I could scan but it will have to be a winter project with my budget model scanner. I can try if you think it would benefit the site. I owe you big time.

Dan,
I send you my address in a Private Message.

Brian,
Thanks, I look forward to it when have the free time.

Thanks guys,

Need some help with 56 pat stop light switch. The switch has three male blades. looking down at the terms,The center term (12v purple wire) and the right term (LT green T/L sw)are N/C contacts and become N/O when the brake is applied, this kills power to T/L as it should. But the brake light does not come on and there is no power at the left term where the DK green wire is terminated. Shouldn't the left term and center terminal have a contact that makes(closes) when the brake is applied. Otherwise I don't see how the brake light could work. according to the wiring diagrams there is no other switch anywhere in the circuit, other than the turn signal flasher.

Princess -

Patience.

This site has only been up and running for less than two years, but has experienced phenomenal growth.

The site's Owner Registry is filling up, and by entering pix of your car and its story, others with similar examples are more likely to follow.

In time, you might cross paths here with an owner near you.

Meanwhile, check back for notices of upcoming shows and events. The two best annual gatherings of Packards that I have seen are the annual meets in Perrysburg, Ohio and Warren, Ohio.

Ooooooo! Pretty! *pokes 200* Why can't you look like that?

200: *pokes wallet*

-_- Right. Never mind.

Gorgeous 400, Princess! Must admit, I'm slightly jealous. You essentially grew up with that car, so you already know it and it's personality. Mine? Bought it last year, and as soon as it was in the shop, the boys started pulling pieces off of it. !_! I never did get a shot of the interior, though I managed to get some shots of the whole car /before/ the big bits started flying off. (Now I just need to get my scanner working :P ) But I digress.

She's a beaut! My advice? Keep it. It's part of the family, it's a great convo piece, and, if nothing else, you'll never loose your car in a parking lot again. ;) :D