Dave,

I installed the harness for the steering column switch without any major problems without any hitches thanks to your photos. I also rebuilt the Fuse Block and replaced the nichrome wire and re-plated those parts that were zinc.

I have several questions that you might be able to help me with:

1. Do the wires that go from the harness to fuse block routed from the frame into the passenger compartment on the left side of the car in front of the vent upwards then across the firewall behind the left glove box
2. What size fuse goes in the holder
3. Based on the size of the holes on the wiring harnesses, it would appear that they connect where the arrows point in the last photo.

The reason I ask question #3 is I don't see how the connector makes good contact unless there is a bushing on the screw from the plastic mounting fixture that the fuse block is screwed to push it against the strap.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

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Tom Wilcox on http://packardpaddock.com/ has several sections devoted to the steering column and his restoration of that area.

Like they say, a picture is worth a 1000 words.

Dell & Dave,

I just sat down this afternoon planning on doing two things. First I went to PackardInfo.com to see what had been posted the last several days and second was to write a request for help.

I'm restoring the fuse block on my '32 and the wire, while still present and unbroken, is very corroded and needs to be replaced. Therefore, I was going to place a call for to determine what type of wire to use and to confirm it's diameter.

So I want to thank both of you for your assistance.

Dell looking at Mc Master it looks like the wire is 0.045 or 0.050". This would equate to 15 to 20 feet of wire for a 1/4# spool. If you are willing to share some of the wire, I'd be willing to split the cost with you - Send me a PM.

Also, Tom Wilcox on his site has some nice pictures on his restoration of the part.

Dave thanks for "dashpot" as I was having one of those senior moments.

Dave,

Thanks for the suggestion about the turn signal. I'll keep my eye open for one.

The wiring harness that I have are also from Rhode island and I'm impressed by the quality and workmanship. All of the bare ended wires and the stake-on terminals are all solder.

I don't recall what it is called, but some older cars with automatic transmissions had a device on the carburetor to prevent stalling when you slowed down. Did Packard?

Also, did you check the fluid level in the transmission? When doing so, it should be a nice red and not hazy with no burnt smell.

When the car stalls does it feel like a stick shift car when you stop without pushing in the clutch.

In any case, if it has been a while since the oil has been changed I do that and like Dave recommends I'd drop the pan and clean up things. Use Type F fluid when you change the oil. Max Merritt should have the gaskets.

Please describe in better detail as to what you mean by "still in high gear" ( e.g. it is sluggish when staring from a stop). Also, was it performing without any issues or strange noises before this?

One other thing, you want to avoid staring in "Low" and then shifting to "High" when starting from a stop.

Dave,

Thanks for the great photos. They will be a tremendous help in trying to figure out to install the wiring.

Hope you and the family had a nice Holidays/Christmas Season this year.

I want to wish you and the rest of the Packard aficionados who use and visit PackardInfo.com a Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous New Year

I'm getting ready to install the wiring on my '32 901. The previous owner bought wiring harnesses from Rhode Island Wiring. I've reviewed the wiring schematic and it seems pretty straight forward.

However, since I did remove the wiring I'm not exactly sure how & where it runs along the various places. Of major concern is in the engine compartment where it is visible as I want to make sure it is correct.

On another note the car came with three Startix switches, which I'm not sure if they work or not. They are in dire need of restoring if nothing else from a cosmetic standpoint.

Since it was an option, I'm debating if I should install one or not and would like to get some opinions on the matter. I've read several blogs on the matter, both here and on other web sites, but I'm just not sure on the matter.