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

two of my gauges have a gold disc in the middle but, the clock seems to be silver. do you think it's just faded, been replaced, or supposed to be that way?

also, they measure 4.25 inches in diameter. replacement gauges are advertised as 5 inch, 3 and 3/8ths or smaller.

i dont want to replace them but, just rewired the whole care for 12v. do i need to do anything to my existing set up to work with all my new volts?

here's a pic.. see? i think they're f'n sweet looking already..

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Have you checked the parts book? At least in 1941/42 and the 22nd-23rd series, the metal finish on the instrument backgrounds was different between the junior and senior models.

Drake I wish I could help you on that one, but my '54 Clipper has a completely different, one year only, "sweeping" dash cluster. It does not use the three seperate gauges like the 54 seniors, and 53 and previous years use.

Kev, the 54 seniors (except for the ambulance and hearse) don't use the 3 clusters either. They have their own unique, one-year only instrument cluster.

i looked at the parts book.. but i have no idea what any of that stuff means..

Just looked at my 51 and all three center buttons are gold and match. I suspect the clock was changed at some point. I think there were several color/finish schemes . On mine the color around the center button is gray. I bought a clock from ebay and it was a different color (gold around the center button). My guess yours was replaced.

When I did a 53 a few yrs ago, had great luck using transparent glass dye available then at a hobby shop. Used amber, thinned it to match what appeared to be unfaded gold color and was rather pleased with result. Also removed the lettered faces and did the background with same process which on that car was a shade of maroon as found under the center pieces .

As to the electrical, shouldn't be an issue on the gauges because parts manual says the same instrument voltage regulator is used in 55-6. Just need new light bulbs throughout (and don't forget the turn signal flasher will also need to change along with all the other stuff).