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

Hi everyone,
I just purchased a 53 Packard last week, I have ordered a service manual and am waiting for it to arrive. I have a few questions if anyone can answer them:
1- My door plate calls it a Model: 2672, Mine has the lightning bolt on the front panels with a spot light on the drivers side. Were those just options? Is a model 2672 a:
See picture 100_8430
Cavalier
? 4 Door Sedan

Clipper
? 4 Door Sedan

Clipper Deluxe
? 4 Door Sedan


Patrician
? 4 Door Sedan

2-I have a push switch under my dash that appears to be factory installed (see picture with a arrow pointing to it Picture 100_8496 ). Nothing happens when I push it. Does anyone know what this does?

3- What is the proper way to start the car? When I turn the key on and then press on the gas pedal, the car will turn over. Is that how you are supposed to start it? This does not always work (engage the starter)so it appears the previous owner put in a aftermarket (I think) switch also under the dash that I can use to start it as well. Do all Packards have this switch under the hood?

I will continue to research this awesome website, thanks to everyone for all your help,

Dave in Utah

Attach file:

---

  (39.90 KB)


  (55.34 KB)

Dave,


Welcome to the website. If you could please add your car to the Owner Registry we would appreciate it.

You have a 1953, 2672 - Packard Cavalier Touring Sedan.

If you refer to the Model Info pages, you can find out some details about your car there. Also the Service Manuals, Part List, Service Techinical Bullentins and Service Counselors are all online here for free.

Not sure what that underdash switch is for. Doesnt look factory to me. I would trace the wiring and see where it goes.

The '53 is a pedal start. The switch is actually mounted on the Carb and the pedal linkage activates it. So the swtich may need to be cleaned or replaced, also check the wiring there are the connections be just be corroded.

1954 is the first year for a modern "Key Start" ignition on a Packard. '53 and prior used the pedal start.

The underdash switch looks like the trip odometer reset. Next time you push it up, try turning it at same time and watch your trip odometer. Welcome to the site - glad to have you aboard. Please register your great looking Cavalier in the owner's registry.

The official Packard recommendation for starting is to slowly press the accelerator down until the starter engages. They caution to not press all the way to floor as all way down opens the choke. The time that is necessary is when the engine fails to start and gets flooded, then opening the choke helps clear things. The extra starter switch is not original but was frequently added just for that reason. The 52 owners manual on the site will be almost identical to the 53. If your starter doesn't engage before pedal bottoms, switch and/or linkage needs adjusting.

Dave,

Nice looking Packard and welcome to a great Packard site. There's plenty of friendly and experienced Packard people here who are willing to share their expertise and help if they can.

Again,

The gas pedal start is always a conversation piece at car shows. I offered a kid $20 if he could take my keys and start my car. Needless to say I still have the $20. I had a 51 Patrician that is similar to your 53. I always regretted getting rid of that car.

hi, that LIL' switch under yer dash, is the "LOAD LEVIL" on - off switch..on my 55' if the switch is to the LEFT, it is off, if the switch is to the RIGHT, the system is on...

The knurled round knob under the dash is the trip odometer reset. Push it up and rotate, one directions rolls back in 1/10s, the other direction after enough turns will roll back in 100s.

The suggestion that it was to activate the Torsion Level ride is not relevant to a 1953 car.

UtahPackard53:

Welcome to the forum. From the pictures you have posted of your Cavlaier it certainly is a fine looking car. Iam also the owner of a 53 Cavalier. Please as othr people have stated please register your car.

The knob under your dash as has been pointed out is the reset for the trip odometer. My Cavalier is also equiped with the trip odometer, the rest knob is in the same location.


John F. Shireman

Owen: Thanks for the explanation of the complete operation of the reset knob.I had often wonder why the knob rotated in both direction.

John F. Shireman