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

Have been receiving very helpful responses regarding ignition coil problems with the subject Packard. Have actually been able to repair the coil, I think? One problem was the brass ground post for the wire to the distributor had been broken off and was soldered and epoxied back on. This didn't last and broke off again. Cleaned up post base and soldered primary coil wire to inside of the hollow post base for secure electrical connection. Filed down top of solder so it was flat and would butt up with bottom of the top half of the broken post. Was able to thread broken post base all the way to its base which allowed 2 full turns of a 10/32 coupling nut. Then turned in the top piece of the broken post till it bottomed out on the solder with enough thread left for the ground wire and nut. As Dave mentioned, I should look at the hot wire to the ignition switch, and as he suspected the wire looks bad. All the insulation to just were it enters the metal cable is gone and just taped over. Then the insulation as the wire inters the cable looks dried out. So the wire has to come out. Any advise on how to get the switch out of the dash and take the switch apart to get at the other end of the bad wire? The metal cable appears to be crimped right into the switch, yikes. Again, thanks of all the help.

Carpenters Classic Cars 20 Los Ranchitos Alamo,Ca. 94507 or 925-933-1486 probably can do your switch and replace the wire in it without wrecking the switch. I would have tried to do mine but didn't want to learn on and possibly destroy my switch. He does a great job at a very fair price.

Thanks for the information will follow through. I assume the switch fits through the firewall opening? Did you have to remove the heater to get at the back of the switch for removal?

You may have to take up or loosen the floor board where it meets the fire wall bottom edge to get the switch through(out of car) I have a 1937 so it may or may not be the same,but I would bet its close. The heater may be close to where it goes through if so,if you loosen its mounting bolts it may be enough space.

Thanks, yes, will have to removed the heater core to get at the switch. Ron Carpenter said the switch will fit through the hole in the dash.