I switched the battery around to the correct way and I'd say it's working. The guage was showing high charge and then down to middle of charge side. The second time I started it, I put a volt meter on the batt. and it was giving about 8 volts. That's it for this week, especially after 8 hours under the Buick.

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Does the old lay a screwdriver across all 3 terminals with ignition on trick work on these? I wonder how long the car was used that way. It probably had something to do with the lower price to get rid of it. That would also explain the large peeled paint flap under the hood above the battery.

Thanks! I'll try switching the battery around tomorrow. I just downloaded the wiring diagram for this car and it shows pos+ gnd. On that note, the heater fan did come on and changed speeds when moving the switch but didn't notice if air was blowing anywhere. The fuel gauge was below E but I know there's about 5 gallons, oil psi showed around 40. I didn't test anything else while it was running.

Hey! I never thought of that. The battery is hooked up neg- ground like I found it. Pos+ hooked to solenoid. Should it be the other way 'round? I would've thought the starter would run backwards and engine wouldn't start that way

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No, not yet. If I think of it next time it's running. I usually take the gen's and regultors to Stackhouse Auto Electric in West Pittston. So far, every generator era car I've had came with a "dead" charging system. I did notice that the indicator moves farther on the decharge side when engine rpms increase so I figure that I'm getting little if any voltage.
Thanks for the help on the trim clip! I think I might have something from a 79 t-bird that might be the same.

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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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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Alright! It's finally at it's new home. Work begins soon!

Hello. This my 48 Deluxe. This is my first Packard and also my first attempt at a vehicle from this era so bear with me. Looks like I've got a good solid foundation to start with in my goal to make a good reliable occasional driver out of an oft forgotten car. Things I have in mind are exhaust, rebuild charging system, go through fuel system, replace all brake lines and sleeve all wheel+master cyls, flush and replace all fluids as needed, repl. hoses and belts, tuneup, paintjob (eventually), tires, and wire harness.
Not neccessarily in that order. It'll most likely go in the order of parts found. Typically, I get everything working how it was supposed to first. Then I'd have a better idea of what to improve, if anything.
Enjoy the ride!

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Thanks. I think mine is only supposed to have one, but I could definitey use one! Feel free to PM me on this.