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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.

Marston,

A few pictures that should help you out.

You'll see an extra set of armored wire on the frame rail going to the back of the car. It is for the added turn signals I have inside the brake lights.

I did not connect my Startix, although I restored it and left it on the firewall. I preferred not to have it engage if I lost regulation on the generator, or had a problem with the unit.

Dave

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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

Marston,

You're welcome.

A belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your Family also.

Here's to another Year enjoying the privilege of being caretakers for these fine automobiles!

BTW - the harness shown in the pictures was one I purchased from Rhode Island Wiring, about five years ago. The quality was excellent. Right gage wire, correct colors and terminations, exact lengths. I replaced the harness and dash wiring at the same time, due to the original wiring insulation disintegrating.

I'd highly recommend adding turn signal to the existing brake lights. After a few panic stops behind me I came to the conclusion most people don't see or understand hand signals. Turn signals can be added in the existing brake light housings. I used a 30's cats eye turn signal unit and "Packardized" the handle so it would look like the controls on the steering wheel. These come up regularly on Ebay.

Dave

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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.

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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The large glass body fuse is probably a 20 amp, a correct match for the original fuse is available from NAPA as #782-1017. Should you want a 30 amp version it's #782-1019.

Dave,

Thanks for the info and the Napa P/N. Do you know what the purpose of the nichrome wire serves - is it like a fusible link?

Do you know what the purpose of the nichrome wire serves - is it like a fusible link?

If it's similar in function to 33-34, it's NOT a fusible link but rather a circuit breaker for headlights which allows limited lighting in the event of a short circuit.

Update: Adding text from 1934 owner's manual which describes the headlight protection. Though as I understand it the 32 only has 1 fuse, I assume the resistance wire plays the same role.

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