Hi Gang,

I'm back from Oregon City where my '55 Packard is and it's been quite a day!
Maybe it's because I've been used to working on 70's and newer Lincolns but the starter and wiring came together so easy and fast it's almost like the car was helping.
The battery I brought with me was the wrong way of course but since we weren't trying to start it I just balanced the battery between the battery tray and power steering pump. Next came connecting the cables and the moment of truth.
In the end it was almost anti-climatic: Opened the door, hit the switch, counted to seven and up she rose!
The jack in the picture was there to lift up for jack stands in case the system didn't work.
Also, I found this little item in the trunk. It fits over the spare and has pockets for God knows what. I've never seen anything like it plus is sort of matches the fabric in the trunk not counting the carpeting that's there for protection.
ANYWAY - Its' been a great day and I thank all of you for all your help, advice and encouragement!

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Thanks guys!
I've found and printed out the SC sections along with the schematics for which color wire goes where as well as the fuse section of the owner's manual. I've found one SFE 20 fuse in my fuse drawer so will stop for more on the way as I see they are used for more than just the T-L. This is the one time I wish I had a lap-top!
I will have someone with me to watch the back of the car for movement so with all your guidance and advice I think I'll be OK. If I run into anything I can't deal with on the spot I'll say "Tomorrow's another day", give it up and come back for more help. I mean, the idea is to get it home and make it better not blow it on the spot.
My thanks again to Randy, HH56, Mr. Pushbutton and Al for the support.

Al and HH56, thank you both! I've printed out this thread with all your suggestions and advice and Randy's description of the system and am taking it with me today. Hopefully, she'll do it on her own; but I feel much better having the knowledge you all have given me.
Thanks again and wish me luck -

Thanks Randy! That's what I'm counting on. The starter checked out perfect (after 25 years out of the car) so I'm hoping the suspension system will too. I checked the switch and it is currently in the "off" position. I have no way of knowing if the system was turned off before or after they jacked up the front of the car. Provided I don't get rained out, I'll let everyone know how it goes tomorrow.
I've got a Lincoln Town Car as a daily driver and it looks the same as the Packard if you don't turn off the suspension before jacking that baby up! Way different system, I know but the same results.

At least you all have your Packards at home! Something I've still got to do with my '55. Hopefully that will happen in about a week.
One thing I'm going to try to tackle tomorrow is raising the back end of the car. When it was finally let down in front after 23 years, the back end didn't come up. I'm hoping that when I put the starter back in and hook up the wiring with a fresh battery; the stern will rise to it's normal height. Has anyone come across this problem before? If it doesn't work, what are my next steps? The pictures were taken by the guy I bought it from when he removed from his sellers garage. The picture of the back end with the guy trying to hook up a tow dolly gives a good idea how low the back end is sitting.

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Ah, that explains the 6v A/C!
Thanks BigKev.
I read somewhere that one of the first installations was some a retros on a couple of White House '53 or '54 Packard Limos.

Before I head for my assigned shelter .....
I have a question about 6v and A/C. I know 12v is needed for modern or later systems but what about 1954? I believe all Packards were 6v that year so when A/C was re-introduced were A/C optioned 12v or did that year's system use the regular production 6v?
No special reason for asking, just curious.

Thanks Owen. That's an excellent idea!

That's the one!

Looks like they'e waiting for Elvira. She must have gone to powder her nose.

"Dingleberries" God, that's a "slap from the past"!

Tiger skin seat covers always make me think of Tony Montana's '63 Cadillac convertible in "Scarface".