Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Can anyone tell me how and where the engine ground straps are positioned on an early 30's Packard?

On my 1934, right rear of the transmission case to the frame crossmember. I believe this is original but can't be 100% certain. In any case it's effective.

On the Seventh Series (1930 model year) with the battery box recessed into the right front fender the battery was grounded to the nearby chassis frame rail. By the Tenth Series (1933 model year) the battery was located under the driver's seat. On my Tenth Series Eight it is grounded to the left chassis frame rail, just slightly different from O_D's description above.

Sorry Don, I guess I was unclear. My battery is in the same location as the 10th series and the battery ground cable is likewise the same. I was referring to a separate woven ground strap between the driveline and frame which I thought, perhaps incorrectly, was the op's originating question.

I never thought to check the Parts List to see if it was original equipment or added later.

You have to be more specific. Starting with the V-12 in 32 and the eights in 33 there was a braided strap as shown in the factory photo below. This was required given the rubber mounting.

Prior to 1933 the eights did not have an engine ground strap given the motor was bolted to the frame. On the 443 and earlier cars I don't recall what they were using given the motors had a hybrid type of rubber mount. I don't think they had one either because the mount used a through bolt.

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Good photo, Tim. That's exactly how my '34 1100 is configured.

Thanks all -- Owen was correct; I was interested in the ground strap between the engine and the frame, not the battery cable.

Indeed O_D is correct. I totally misread the question and therefore answered incorrectly.