Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Keith, I tend to agree with Owen on this one. Packard used to advertise the ease of driving one of their cars with minimum use of the clutch. Start off in 2nd gear, then once underway, lift off the throttle and let overdrive engage. The only time one needed to use another gear was for reversing, or where low gear was needed on a hill, or at a speed where high gear was needed. But, for a majority of driving, 2nd gear and 2nd gear overdrive would work nicely. Packard's way of dealing with the semi-automatic and automatic transmissions offered by others.

(o[]o)

Overdrive is available to use in 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

The unit in this car was put together by a guy named Lyons, in Ohio, who is supposedly quite knowledgeable about making this conversion. I understand he's around 80 years old now, and I don't think sending the whole car to him is an option at this point.

While Packard's original literature stated that overdrive "must be ordered from the factory", many a successful conversion has been done, including two of our own cars, and one by a friend who is also stumped at the problems we're having with this one.

I remember driving Mr. Baldridge's car on a CCCA CARavan more than 35 years ago. I don't recall it having overdrive at that time, nor of it having problems. Perhaps it hadn't been installed yet.

Quote:

Ross
I think you nailed it, although, removing the cover on the transmission wouldn't have helped any, and there is no cover over the overdrive unit.

With some "exercise," it seems that the problem is going away. I didn't realize, but the transmission/overdrive had been sitting for more than 5 years after it was rebuilt while the rest of the car was undergoing restoration. We may need to drain half the transmission oil, fill back up with some kerosene, drive for a few miles, and let sit for a few days. Then, drain 100% and refill with proper gear oil.

Thanks, all.

85W-140 GL-5 gear oil will work well in your transmission and overdrive units. You can also use it in you differential.

(o[]o)