Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Working on correcting some 63 year old wiring issues on my 51 200, trying to stave off the day when I give up and buy a new wiring harness. In the Shop Manual, it gives color codes on the wires and I could use some help in translation. For example:

Code - my guesses
BK - black
G - green
BR - brown
BL - blue
Y - yellow
YR - yellow/red
O - orange
R - red
W - white
WGX - absolutely no idea
GBX - ditto
BRW - brown/white
BKO - black/orange

If anyone can correct my guess, or fill in the missing ones, I'd appreciate it!
Thanks

The X means a crossed tracer so WGX would be white with green as a tracer in a sort of X pattern instead of a line or stripe. GBX would be green with the black in an X pattern. There is a chart and some basic explanations of various tracer patterns at RI Wiringriwire.com It is on the supplies page and the chart is on the Wire Colors and wire by the foot page.

Page 30 in the electrical section of the 1951-54 service manual has a complete listing of the color codes and wire sizes for 1951 models.

Thanks guys. I should have looked further into the shop manual. This will help greatly.

For the '51 wiring there's a slight but confusing variation in the main harness in the dash, so IF you are going to replace it some time just be aware that Packard did change the way they ran a couple of wires there. From memory, the heavy gauge Red is spliced into another wire (or wires) close to the instrument cluster, so just keep that in mind. I can provide the details if needed.

Seems they did it to reduce the diameter of the harness there or maybe to save on cost of a few inches of wire(?) but electrically it does the same job.

After making a complete harness IMO it is probably better to buy a ready-made one as the cost is not too excessive considering the hours needed to make it yourself. Not to say it isn't enjoyable - just lengthy! Rhode Island wire is good quality, so I would say their harnesses are possibly quite good.

Thanks. I was rewiring the front lights as I have the bumper and grille off to do some touch up painting on the fender. The problem was primarily the junction blocks. Loose and cracked connectors, and frayed wires. Using the shop manual, I was able to replace the junction blocks, get better grounds and replace the damaged wiring. I will probably order a complete new wiring harness later next spring. But for now, the good news is that the turn signals and headlights work properly again.

The winter project is to get the 39 120 ready to repaint. I found a site on line that is able to provide the factory issue color of Packard Blue in acrylic lacquer.

They have several different types of paint and supplies available - here is their website:
tcpglobal.com

I think you'll be pleased with TPC's acrylic lacquer, I've bought rattle cans from them of acrylic in Packard colors for painting wheels - good paint and service, perfect color match.

My experience with R.I. Wiring service was very positive, a quality product which installed easily. Their instructions were very good and a couple of follow up questions by me were quickly researched and cheerfully answered. If some wires on one's car are in poor condition, safe bet to assume the rest are not far behind.

Where do I find a listing of wire gauges for a 48 model ? I know I will have to order some that are cut and missing - Thanks

Here is a list that I made for myself for 1948-49 models.

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