Repairing the shift linkage is not as difficult as you might think. I have a 22nd series. There are bearings in the control rods that wear out. Replacing these will tighten up the movement considerably. You might also have wear in the connection on the lower steering column. All three of these parts are available through Packard Parts dealers. The grease in mine had turned to plastic when I replaced it. The combination of these three things made it very precise and pleasurable to drive.
Even though the parts are available do yourself a favor and shop around.

Miles,
Although there may be some differences in our two vehicles the mirrors are the same. I have owned a 1946 Limo and purchased a set of mirrors from the Packards International club some years ago. The quality was less than perfect and although the drivers side is fine and functional the passenger side is nothing but an ornament. It does not have the mobility to be useful and with a fixed position front seat of a limo it is permently cut in half by the vent window frame. Twelve years of shimming, flexing, and all manner of contorting this little devil has gained me nothing. I would be interested to see hear from other owners if I bought a lemon or as I suspect this is a design flaw. If it is a design issue I suggest "non original" in your case.
All that being said Packards are made to go forward and what is behind you is of little consequence, unless you are pulling a trailer, backing up, or just like a shiny straight rear bumper.
Tom

To Cortcomp,
Your idea works in theory but after working in purchasing for many years in various sized companies I have to agree with Fred. The "Soft Costs kill you". When I started years ago the rule was not to purchase anything under $60 as that is the cost to process an order. You learned to be inventive to buy small items. Believe me when I say I hate paying high prices but I kinda understand.
If we still disagree I can meet you at Locos Amigos and arm Wrestle you over Margaritas since I live in Fowler. I saw your car at the Packard Museum Show but never managed to find you. Nice ride.

I tried to source the locking plates locally. I was met with no luck and the strangest looks from the kids behind the counter.

I did try the local truck repair shop which handles the "Big Rigs". They recommended using Locktite Blue medium strength along with lockwashers and grade 8 nuts.

I have had no problem in the last 200 miles. Has anyone else used this?

The National Packard Museum has Challenged the Crawford Automobile Museum to a timed event featuring a 1903 Packard "Old Pacific" against a 1902 American Gas. The vehicles were built in Warren and Cleveland,Ohio respectively. The city of Akron will block off Main street in front of the Aeros Baseball Stadium at 1:30 pm. this event will be part of the Akron Hamburger Festival which runs all weekend.
Ok, NASCAR has nothing to fear from us but if you want to see a couple of one lungers do their thing on a Sunday afternoon this is the place.
There is still a chance that the Canton Classic Car museum may participate depending on their drivers condition. we can keep the cars running for over 100 years but the drivers are another story.
Contact the National Packard Museum (330)-394-1899 with any questions or check out the museum website.

Ross,
Thanks, and yes it has been dropping out of second while decelerating. That was the first sign.

I am having problems with my 1946 limo transmission. It drops out of third gear as I am accelerating. I took the easy path first and replaced bushings and wear parts of the linkage. The next move will probably be to drop the transmission and replace the detents. Has anyone had experience with this issue?

If you are looking for other owners of 1946 limos I may be able to help. I have owned one since 1971. It is the one in the 1946 photo archives of this website. Gray over black from the Warren National Packard Museum Car show.
Tom Brasko