I have a 56 Clipper and am trying to remove the bezels from around the antenna and headlight switches without scratching the chrome.

They are being stubborn.

Any suggestions? Thanks, Ron

Robert: Welcome to the forum and congradulations on buying a Packard.

Two things that are must read information about the 55 and 56 Packards are the STB's and the three wolume book set on the Packard Ultramtic transmissions. Both of the above that I am refering to are on this web site under Packard articles. If you down load both of these and take time to read them, this will go along way in helping understand your Packard, and what to look for when something goes wrong or a question might come up. The above information that this site provides has never been realy provided by a major club like PAC. You will find people like Brian,Eric,know as much or more about the 55 & 56 Packard than some of the so called experts than some of the Packard clubs claim to have.


John F. Shireman

Found this 1940 Packard out of the way behind everything at a WWII military vehicles museum in Hubbard, Ohio. I sure hope someone helps it soon. It was used as an ambulance in the Second World War, having a few modifications (Raised roof, extended body, spot light) A very interesting find.

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John (Mr. Pushbutton) gives excellent advice. He's the one who helped me get the shifter working in my car, and his advice is golden.

BTW John, the "Hybrid Synergy Drive" Patrician made it all the way home without skipping a beat, and then drove 60 more miles to my mother's house. I think she enjoyed your company as much as I did, as she sure ran great Saturday night!

Good on 'Ya, mate!

Mr. Pushbutton here!, checking in after his sojourn to Kansas (where I got a ride in the hybrid synergy drive Patrician!)

Check all of the above things the other esteemed '56 owners have pointed out and get back to us. we'll get you running again. Look at my post re: Pushbuttons from about a month ago, I threw out a good deal of info on that one (it is under the V-8 forums)

DON'T TAKE THE MOTOR OFF OF THE ACTUATOR UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY KNOW IT IS COOKED (it never is) chances are there is a power problem as Randy recommends or there is a bent finger in the actuator, in which case you'll really want to read my last P-B post re: access to the finger bridge.

Hi all and thanks for the interest. Araldite is a trade name and is a two pack adhesive with probably at least a dozen equivalents in the US ( J.B Were's liquid metal?) I was very impressed with the quality of the original switch internals with no oxodising or burning after 50 years, and doubt that a modern switch would be any better, apart from the unknown problems of having to adjust one switch to another application.
Before I affected the repair I looked at, and purchased some alternative switches and they all relate "generally" to reversing switches and are useless as they "generally" operate in reverse to our limit switches with less current rating.
I decided to fit the snap connectors because the original wires are long and the unbroken one would be difficult to control in the lathe as you spin off the swage. The whole operation was extremely simple and it is akin to your first swim ,in that you are confident, yet scared to attempt it, but exhiliarated when you succeed. Good luck and don't throw any of the old ones out. Best Regards from Down Under Peter Toet

Thank you Kev and a tip of the hat for this website. It is truly the best place to gather info and/or get assistance.
And a Happy Birthday to Tom, also.

robert -

Be sure to download, print, and review the PDF file of the "Auto Lite Push Button Motor Service Manual", which is available in the Packard Articles section of this site. It has a step-by-step diagnostic procedure to get you started. Lots of good info in that one publication - even more than the Packard shop manual.

Then, if you haven't joined The Packard V8 Club, do so, and check out the index I compiled to all the Service Bulletins on the V8 Packards, including the push button shift controls. You can also download Packard's Service Counselors and Service Technical Bulletins from the Packard Articles section here. A few, but not all, of the Studebaker Service Bulletins have also been uploaded as well.

There are several people here who are well-versed in this area and can help where the published info falls short, if you report back with your findings.

Round up the usual suspects, but start with the push-button pressure control switch.
PNR work off a different power supply than HDL. Do NO pushbuttons work or just PNR? Just for grins check out HDL and see if you can hear the shifting mechanism.
(see if you can hear(LOL)
Double check the pushbutton wiring plug at the inside firewall and make sure it is plugged in tight.