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

After running the engine while tuning the carb, etc. I notice smoke coming out from behind the dash (It's a woody wagon). Had a look and although I can't see exactly where it is coming from I noticed the wiper motor is running all the time (Someone has disconnected the arm to the wiper linkage so they don't operate). Found many bad connection wires and some simply not connected to anything.

I'm looking for a tip to removing the dash so I can expose everything in front of me in order to research the location of the smoke.

Also, is there a wire harness available or at least partial. It is a real mess back there.

Remove the metal trim around the front window. You will see a number of screws along the top of the dash. Remove them and one or two nuts on the far corners of the bottom side of the dash. All of this is much easier if you remove the front seat cushion and sit on a pillow. Photo everything, bag and label the parts. Get some paper tags from Office Depot and label each wire before you disconnect it. Be sure to disconnect the battery before you start work. You will need to remove the oil pressure line from the back of the gauge and the speedometer cable. It's actually not hard to do compared to some of the later cars. This is also a good time to redo the wood graining and replace all of the light bulbs. Let me know if you want photos of a 39 dash - it isn't much different other than the radio.

Mr. Grubbs stated it very well. I think I would add removing the radio before starting the other work.

Rich

You asked about a wiring harness for your 1941:

You need to contact the PAC Roster Keeper for the 1941s. Not only is he the Roster Keeper but he also manufactures the wiring harness for a number of Packards. I have one of his harnesses in my 1941 convertible sedan and have never had a problem. No sparks, no smoke, no nothing.

J.P. McVicker
P.O. Box 117
Tiger, GA 30576
(706) 782-2344
e-mail: jpmcvicker@windstream.net

Additionally, there is a separate Roster Keeper for Hercules-bodied station wagons. Check on the PAC websitepackardclub.org/

Best of luck. -Roger--

Rich is correct on removing the radio from the dash first. The 41 radio is a one piece unit and is fairly heavy, whereas my 39 had the two part radio with the lower portion missing. Thanks for catching that Rich!