Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

i see a 15" and a 19", what is the reason for the two different sizes. powersteering vs not?

i'll have to dig around to find my original one to measure it.

but, off hand what would be the correct size for the constellation...the 19?

Hank

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I have a feeling the length had more to do with battery availability. Packard issued a bulletin re some battery dealers not carrying the OEM type replacement and were substituting. They did stress that even with the replacements having posts in different locations, the original cables would work. They will -- but just sizing mine with a 15" cable, if the terminal was near the fender, it is a stretch with the 15"-- almost a straight line from the bolt near PS pump they used to the terminal. Perhaps that 19" was for those conditions with batteries with different terminals. As to which is correct, I think it wouldn't matter as both would be since Packard offered them.

thanks! i'll probably go with the 19" just incase.

I put in a 19" in my Patrician.

The answer can be found here as seen in Figure 1.
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/servicemanual5556/Sect10_SheetMetal.pdf

The battery in 1955 Packards although a group 60 had the terminals reversed so that the Positive ground + was at the right front of the battery. The picture clearly shows this. When they changed the location of the posts, they could then use a shorter ground strap.

For those that care about such things, you'll also note the strap is routed under the battery hold down.