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

Dave,

I tried my local NAPA distribution hub, they looked at me like I'd lost my mind... The guy at Max Merrit said they just stopped making those units so that's probably why. I know what a stickler you are for original but IMHO there just isn't any comparison between solid state and 30's relay technology so I will see what I can do and still have it look original and not kludged together. Still, I would appreciate your part number if you can find it.

Tom,

The guy that sold me the NOS cut out/regulator said there wasn't a solid state rebuild for the regulator part and he was quoting between $250 and $500 to rebuild my old one (to original specs) depending on how thrashed it was. I will be on the phone to your reference pronto.

Thanks All

Boy, if NAPA (Echlin) has finally stopped making these it's a shame for those who weren't aware of them; it sure was a great security blanket for those who knew and stocked up on a few, especially at about $40 each. The O-D unit for the 33-34 Eights and Super Eights was NAPA's VR-755. I believe the original cutout for your car was Dyneto #20220, and NAPA's replacement was CU 3.

As far as reliability, despite having several new NAPA replacements, my 34 is still using the original unit so I don't think that solid state could be any more reliable - that O-D was really top-notch equipment.

Dave,

Just as I feared. I called our main NAPA store and had the guy check your numbers. They are still good part numbers but they show zero inventory nation wide. I guess that's it for those.

I did talk to Larry at MG Auto Electric (Tom's reference) He said he could probably fit a solid state cut out and voltage regulator in my existing housing for a reasonable price. I think he sounded like a pretty good guy so I will give him a whirl. I will keep the original innards in case I decide to return to bone stock. My Autolite stand-in (sounds like the same manuf as the NAPA one maybe?) should be here within a week so I will be Packarding again....

Scott

One last thought, check with Henry Yeska in Pennsylvania (he advertises in Hemmings and PAC); at one time he was repairing or converting Owen-Dyneto cutouts and regulators. Phone 610-759-0230.

Just some picture of my Cutout reply before rebuild. Sorry for poor pictures they where taken with a cheap digital camera a few years back.

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Pictures of the rebuilt relay

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Tom,

Your pictures are of a cut out relay only. I think it's odd that your car, one year newer would have a cut out only. The box on my 726 is like twice the size because it has a cut out and a voltage regulator in the same gizmo.

This is my cut out, it has two leads from the generator, one from the armature which goes to the cut out and one from the field which goes to the regulator.

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Napa has the VR755 back in stock. $38 each.

Whoo Hooo!

I will be checking that out this weekend. Now if only my engine rebuild was done....

Scott726, the cutout/voltage control you picture is not correct for a 7th series, it's a 33/35 unit. Check the O_D number stamped on it, it's probably a 21262. They are a very long-lived unit, never touched mine in 45 years.

Great news to hear that the Echlin VR-755 is back in inventory. Everyone with a car to which it will mount and function should buy 1 or 2 while we have the opportunity.