Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

All,

As I've endeavored to restore my '55 400 without my father in law (now deceased), I've had to make many 'compromises' so to speak to try & get this old gal back on the road. One of the very first such compromises was the addition of a new PAINLESS brand wiring harness. The wires underneath the dash in my 400 were in bad repair, so I had a desicion to make. Initially, I wished to keep things original, BUT in speaking with many people and considering the costly nature of 'going fully original', I opted for the new harness. The Painless Company products I've since used have helped me to keep it 'original looking' BUT ready for modern use and demands. Anyway, I've posted some pictures for all to see & hopefully someone else thinking about restoring an old Packard will see that it is possible to get it looking somewhat 'correct' without spending big dollars.

(The grounding wire from wiper motor with blue insulator collar (yuck) will be fixed soon )

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I think that's perfectly respectable. The loom cover is a little obvious but doesn't detract badly. If someone wanted to make it almost undetectable, the harness tape could be used instead. Several places carry the non adhesive vinyl wrap in different widths.wiringharness.com. orecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=50847&dept_id=1135. Otherwise, since the car is not quite totally original anyway think I'd do the same and spend the extra $1000 for a modern repro plastic factory type loom elsewhere. On the cloth covered looms, not much choice though.

One more!

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Kevin -

Is there a particular kit that Painless makes that is best for the 400? Does it include wires for everything - interior lights, courtesy lights, etc? And what order of magnitude is the cost?

Thanks,
Bernardi

Kevin -

If you had to stray from the original, at least it looks like you picked a quality product and did the work with a high level of craftsmanship. The results look a lot bettter than the typical butchered-up ratrod and pimped-out kustoms that I've seen.

Looks like your loom is split to allow access to wires for troubleshooting and repair - like the convoluted plastic loom used on more modern cars. However, I find that convoluted plastic stuff doesn't hold up well to engine bay heat over the long haul, and I personally don't care for that look on old cars.

Although harnesses of the mid-'50s were wrapped with a cohesive vinyl tape, this woven loom at least has an appearance befitting an antique auto, with the convenience of the split for access.

Bernardi,

I used the (21) circuit model and it covered just about everything in the car. The price was just less than $500 as I recall.

Nice job. Most professional looking.

As for the woven plastic loom i don't see any problem wiht that. It closely resembles the fabric woven material used in many places on my very original Exec as well as other vintage vehilce.

If black tape wrapping is an issue then one could always wrap it with black electrical tape at any time.

My favorit is to use shrink tube. But shrink tube is not always practicle in some situations.

Either way. U have a an excellent set up.

Kevin, it looks really great! Just a beautiful job. I have one comment, not picking a nit. The top two battery holder bolts also secure two upside-down "J" cable holders. They resemble the letter "J" and are rubber-dipped in the curved part. They secure the wiring harness that runs above and behind the battery. I'll bet you have them in your miscellaneous parts box. I probably wouldn't have noticed them except you did such a great job and it looks so neat and clean.

Kevin, thanks for posting photos of your newly wrapped harness. Based on your photos, I ordered some of this wrap from Painless (1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" sizes) and wrapped the engine compartment harness in my '47 Custom Clipper. The engine compartment is exceptionally nice, except for the harness. The Painless wrap improved the appearance greatly. Granted, it is not authentic, but it is better looking now. This stuff is easy to install. Should I need to do any work on the wiring, it will unwrap for easy access. I recommend it.