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

Just looking at those pictures and dealing with old stuff, you're wiring is suspect, not only just the way it's been wired, but the wiring itself is in rough shape. It's what one can't see that gets one. Best to buy some new proper gauge wires, get the electrical diagram, terminals, etc. and re-wire the engine compartment - if you're going to drive it that much, or you'll be on the side of the road with a electrical fire. It's a lot easier with the motor out, but possible in. Someone on here just went through that exercise. Those ole cloth wrapped wires have rubber insulation underneath and it gets brittle and flakes off. Mice eat them. Exposed conductor oxidizes and causes more resistance and are likely to short out. If those headlamps are "on" but not lighting, there's a lot of available amps/juice to go somewhere or the overload is heating up. I'd not test them too much when not lighting until it's resolved. Recall 6V needs 2X the amps for the same power.
If you can find some numbers on those delco relays, it might help ID them. At least one should be the horn where it's located. Easy to trace those down to/from the horns.