Chris it's definitely a push/pull switch, but may be incorrect. I would have expected a rheostat.

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. The switch is definitely a push/pull and fairly stiff. Possibly from lack of use. It appears to be a late '41 build. Perhaps they were using Clipper knobs by then? Or maybe they were changed later. They are painted cream and look like plastic. They are the rectangular shape. Maybe I should just put something on the shaft to stop the knob falling off, and stop fiddling with it. I rarely - if ever - use the instrument lights. The other knobs are all the same, and work fine.

Thanks for the replies.

The instrument light knob on my 1941 Club Coupe comes off when I try to turn on (pull) the switch knob. I have the knob, but can't see how it grips the switch shaft. Anyone have any knowledge of this? Maybe need a new one? It is rectangular shape and looks like pot metal, but is painted cream, like all the other knobs. There is some sort of metal clip which slides over the switch shaft (with a flat on top of the shaft) but it doesn't clamp onto the shaft.

The clock in my 1941 120 Club Coupe is not working (unlike all the other instruments, which are in good health). The clock looks fine, but has just stopped working. I gather this is a reasonably common problem. The car was converted to 12V a while back, and I wonder whether this may have damaged it? What is the best approach to fixing this? Try to fix the existing mechanism, or replace it with something more reliable?

Cheers

Thanks for all the info, guys. Very helpful.

The Powergen product looks pretty good. There's something similar made locally in Australia, but I'd probably end up with one resembling a Lucas generator since I don't have an original generator casing and don't know what brand (Delco etc) the car originally came with. How hard would it be to find an original generator - presumably non-functioning - as a donor item?

It never occurred to me that there might already be wiring in the loom for turn signals. I'll investigate more closely, and see whether I can rig up something where the brake light doubles as the turn signal lamp. That would avoid changing or modifying the rear light fitting. Yes, there is theoretically an issue with amber vs red rear turn signals in Australia, but having them integrated into the existing lamps makes them less obvious (and the car predates the design rule requiring turn signals). To me, it's more a safety issue.

I'm about to post another question, about the clock.

Thanks again Brian W.

I am the proud new owner of a lovely 1941 Packard Club Coupe, which has been fully restored over many years. One of the things I'm not so happy about is that it was converted to 12 volt electrics somewhere along the way. This works fine, but the alternator is a bit of an eyesore. I see someone in the US produces 12V (?) alternators in generator casings. Has anybody had experience with one of these?

Second question. The car is now fitted with turn signals, a very handy safety measure since it's LHD. The front signals are nicely integrated into the sidelights with an orange globe - surprisingly effective - but the rear are tacked on bullet lamps which look out of place. Has anybody found a way to integrate the rear turn signal lamps into the standard rear lamp housings? Yes, it would be red (not orange) but could be made more visible with an LED globe? I expect to use the car fairly regularly on the road (on club plates).

Any advice appreciated.