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

I'm looking for the parts that go inside the windshield control knob for making the electric washer switch work.

I think when the car was shipped without a washer installed, a black plastic dummy plug was just put in there.

The wire and socket are there I believe, but the spring, button and metal contact I think should go in there is missing. I'm not sure what these parts actually look like, so hopefully, someone else does.

I would assume they would be more prevalent on the senior cars.

When I pulled my knob off, I dont remember there being a rod or a hole in the button for a rod. Hence why I think it was just a plug on not-equipped cars. Is the rod metallic to complete the circuit?

If anyone has a working washer, can you tell what the inner workings of your washer knob looks live?

Attach file:

---

  (25.29 KB)

I don't have any photos of that particular switch. Believe they are listed as second type for late 53 and 54 in parts book From memory, built into the back of the regular switch is a little bakelite module with a wire pigtail exiting -- pigtail is long enough to reach the bottom of the shroud where the turn signal wires exit. The washer jar wires attach to the pigtail and to power.

The shaft for the knob has a hole thru the middle. The button on the knob has a steel pin attached and, IIRC there is a small spring but memory is fuzzy on that. The spring could be internal with the module. When you push the button the pin causes a contact on the module to close providing a ground to the pigtail and energizing the solenoid on the washer.

Here is an illustration of the knob.

Attach file:

---

  (22.38 KB)

Ah...that was what I am looking for. Now I need to find that pushrod.

Thanks Howard!

Wonder if your existing button could be made to work in place of finding another. Don't know if it is long enough but if so, I believe it is a press fit in the knob. If the part providing the press fit could be reduced slightly so it is able to push in freely then a hole could be drilled in the end of the button and a piece of straight music or stainless wire could be pushed into the plastic for the shaft.

That's a possibility. If I can't come up with that part, then I'll see what I can fab up. Where did you find that diagram? I didn't see it in the parts plate or the service manual.

From an install sheet. I emailed you what I have.

Instructions from Howard. (Click for Bigger Image)

Attach file:

---

  (251.45 KB)