58L8134 wrote:
Hi Chris

Packard changed the windshield/A-pillar/front door frame for all sedans for the '53 models so only 1951-52 interchange and only 1953-54 interchange. See small pictures. They were going for a more hardtop look for the sedans was the motivation.

Please post pictures, there is plenty of worthwhile advice here once we see pictures to determine what to do.

Steve

BigKev wrote:
All Hard Top and Convertible 53-54 use the same front door.

All Sedans 53-54 use the same front doors.

With the obvious exception of the trim holes. Replacement doors from packard came with no holes drilled and it was up to the dealer/body shop to drill the "blank" to match the door it replacing.

If you door is mangled as you say, I would also make sure to replace the hinges themselves as they may also be damaged.

HH56 wrote:
You might get in touch with Gerry at Packards Southwest. As I recall from one of the photos he posted there were quite a few doors from that period lined up. He might have the one your model needs already having the correct trim holes.

Ozstatman wrote:
Here's the thread where Gerry(packardssouthwest) advertised doors.

HH56 wrote:
Nice list of items and I'm sure others will appreciate your efforts.

Quote:

Stock 6v blower motor also work fine so far.

I'd keep a close eye on the blower motor. Wouldn't be surprised that you will find after a few minutes running the motor housing will be very hot. Once the varnish and enamel insulation on the windings start breaking down it doesn't take long for failure to occur.

I didn't see mention of the starter or solenoid. Several here have reported they ran the 6v starter on 12v seemingly without issue and suddenly had it fail due to a broken nose casting. Most opinions feel that was caused by the increased torque and the 12v action slamming the pinion into the nose. At the least I would look to see about converting the windings to 12v and getting another solenoid.

JW wrote:
Thanks for the parts list. I will be helpful to others doing a 12-volt change over. Are you using a generator or alternator? Also, which battery, Optima type or conventional wet cell?

(o{}o)

HA52 wrote:
I converted my car also, and here is some info for a 24-25th series car. These are the applicable 12v bulbs:

Instrument lights - 57
Turn signal/hi beam indicator lights - 53
Oil/battery indicator lights - 57
Column shift indicator light, ultramatic - 53
Inside glovebox light - 57
Under dash courtesy lights - 90
Rear dome light - 104
Headlights - H6024 halogen (use relays)
Front park/turn sig lights - 1157A (amber)
Tail/brake lights - 1034 (also could use 1157, 2057, 198)
Reverse lights - 1156 (also 199, 1141)
Rear license light - 67
Trunk light - 89

I had to replace some other components also, using these allows the use of the existing points etc in the distributor:
Coil - NAPA IC12
Ignition ballast - NAPA ICR13

Because I used an aftermarket wiring harness with a fuse box and new horn and turn signal relays, I could also discard the circuit breakers behind the instrument panel and wire components to dedicated fuses.

I also purchased a prewired headlight relay setup from the same vendor, to allow modern halogen headlights while retaining the original headlight switch.

I procured a set of horns and a heater fan from a wrecked '55 which were already 12v.

I did not replace the instrument voltage converter (powers the gas and temp gauges) as the existing unit will work with 12v, it provides an intermittent 5v signal to the gauges.

I didn't replace or convert the starter, although there have been some reports of problems from that so far no issues in 900 miles. But you'll need to replace the starter solenoid switch with a 12v three-terminal unit.

I replaced my generator with a rebuilt Delco 10SI alternator, I used a NAPA p/n 213-4011B reman unit, about 63 amps. Overkill but no cost advantage for going smaller. I got a 3-wire unit, which allows me to wire the BAT idiot light into the alternator wiring - so if the BAT light comes on either the alternator has quit or the belt came off.

There are some other installation details in my project blog, but these are the parts to change.