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

Take a look on eBay at a Custom-8 that is for sale. This is an original car that has sat unmolested for a long time. An interior shot shows the rare genuine Packard compass mounted on the windshield divider. A person might buy the car just to get the compass and then sell the car again.

Item number: 170128002400

You are certainly a man who has a sharp eye and knows his Packards.

I suspect the bidder on the car also took note of the compass. Attached is a photo of a NOS compass.

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It would be nice to find an original NOS Packard 6 volt GPS unit!

I would like just to have my GPS work in my 12 Volt 1956 Packard. I tried it in several V-8s at the national meet and the lighter base must be configured differently than more modern cars as no power would go to the unit. All of the cars I tried my GPS in had functional lighters.

Joel -

Just get a 12V accessory power outlet. I got one from RadioShack for a little over $5 many years ago, but you'll find 'em in the automotive dept. at mass-market retailers or just about any parts stores - gotta be less than $10 these days.

Mount the outlet discreetly up under the dash (some even come with peel-n-stick foam tape), but wire it so the socket is only hot when the ignition is in the "run" position (should be a circuit tap like that available at the fuse block).

Even when you don't need GPS, this outlet will come in handy for recharging you cell phone, keeping your coffee warm, etc.

I do believe bases much larger than modern cars. Apparently even Packard had problems because there was a bulletin for 55 to check rear lighters because wrong base installed and was so large, element would pop completely out. Wouldn't that be a thrill and give a new definition of hot seat if it landed in your lap.

Seriously, even new cars have problem. I have one item that will work in a lighter socket but not the power acc outlet because of size & not fitting.

I'll try Radio Shack. Thanks for the tip.

Wonderful. Accesory hope someday I can get hold of one for my car

Cherrs

Wonderful. Accesory hope someday I can get hold of one for my car

Cheers