I had my generator and voltage regulator rebuilt for $120 at a local generator specialty shop. They did a great job. If you can't find one near you, let me know.

Have you put a volt-ohm meter on the battery while it's running to see what the voltage is?

Chuck,
Here are some pictures of the original type fastener for the belt moulding.

Part # 2356 from Restoration Supplies will work as a replacement. See page 125 of their online catalog.

You will have to remove the trim from the inside of the center pillar in order to install this piece properly. This needs to be done carefully as the backing material is quite fragile. I've had good luck in the past by using a narrow putty knife inserted behind the trim and moving it vertically until it hits the retaining pin which is like a serrated nail then prying it loose with a screwdriver between the back of the putty knife and the metal center pillar.

Brian

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I was wondering if someone could answer some questions I have about the Packard Annual Convention in Branson this summer. I have not attended any "meets" to speak of and wanted to know what they were like. Are there many Packards on display at one of these meets, and do they have a swap meet in conjunction with it? Or is it mainly for people who are able to drive their Packards to the meet and then get together and socialize? I am mainly interested in getting parts for my Packard and talking to people who are also restoring their cars. Is this a good opportunity for this?

Chuck, Nice to see another old Packard brought back to life. Keep up the good work and you will have years of fun with this car. The center piece as Howard and Dave (Owen) suggested is likely held on with a threaded stud as is the one on my '47.

Since there is only a single hole the trim piece can rotate if not really tight. Thats why most (not sure about 48-50) fasten with a threaded stud with nut and washer inside behind the upholstery fabric.

PS - and don't be concerned about the charging system; rebuilding or repairing a generator is simple and can be enjoyable, parts very common. Regulators can be adjusted but are much more frequently just replaced.

It does my heart good to see you bringing this car back; keep us posted.

Believe clip was this style--but maybe not the particular one shown. Restoration specialtieshttp://www.restorationspecialties.com/ carries a good supply of these and others if you don't have a local source. You can download their catalog and several of the clip pictures are full size for easy matching or finding something that looks like it would work.

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Yeah, the pan's going to have to come off in the near future. I just don't have a gasket for it yet. I really didn't like what came out of there. The generator and regulator will get redone soon. I cleaned out the car. 2 large trash bags full from the trunk. Only found 2 mouse nests in back and some angry bees had taken up residence in the exhaust. Below is a pic of a missing side moulding. I have the piece (was in trunk) but I need the attaching clip for it. Someone pop riveted the other side's piece but not this one.

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Based on your description of the motor oil, I'd put dropping and cleaning the pan and the pump intake screen pretty high on my list of things to do.

Looking good, and engine actually starting is always a positive. Don't recall anything in charging circuit as being problematic so guess just good old fashioned troubleshooting. Someone not too long ago mentioned having sticking or bad brushes.

Today was somewhat productive. Repaired wiring for generator, volt. regulator, coil, and oil pressure switch. Installed the missing grill bar. That went easier than expected since it was broke in half. Still, the end result is presentable. I changed the oil or what passed for oil. That has to be the first time I've seen large globs of sludge oozing out with engine oil. Hope to never see that again. Used 15w-40 diesel engine oil and some STP. That should clear most of the gunk out.
Afterwards, I put in a new battery and started it up and moved it back and forth a few times. The car fires right up and runs well. Unfortunately, the charging system is non-functional for now.

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