Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

I have a 1939 Super Eight sedan that I have upgraded to a crate motor and 700R automatic. I have the original 1939 speedometer I have had rebuilt and would like to keep. Has anyone any advice on mating the 700R to the stock Packard speedometer? Will the Lokar speedometer cable work? The original speedometer was made by Stewart Warner, so the threads on the fitting on the back of the speedo should be some type of standard size.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

"upgraded", eh? only advice I can give is: duck, incoming

Had all the blowback from restoration purists, thank you. Wanted a reliable daily driver, not a trailer queen or weekend warrior. On the spectrum of modification, I went a bit further than adding a Torqueflight trans to the straight eight or updating the brakes to discs, but the idea is the same---having a safe, reliable car to drive every day.

I don't have any direct experience with them but this place has off the shelf components to adapt the GM trans to other speedos or in some cases can custom make some adapters and might be able to come up with something for your project.transmissioncenter.net/speedometer_calibration_______va.htm

Thanks so much for the info and the link. Will post pics of the Packard once it is finished and on the road. Also have a ton of stock running gear parts to pass on to those who are keeping the faith and keeping it stock.

"I have a 1939 Super Eight sedan that I have upgraded to a crate motor and 700R automatic"

""upgraded", eh? only advice I can give is: duck, incoming"

That's why there's the Modification Forum, which this thread is in, and the Packard Owner's Registry having provision for modifications to be detailed.
boosquat for including your '39 Super Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.

However, notice in the Registry entry that the right hand column has somehow become attached to the foot of your entry, or so it appears to me! BigKev, can you sort that out please?

Here in Detroit we don't understand why people put so much money into such projects when new cars are so much better.

Old cars and hot rods have everything to do with passion and feeling and very little to do with logic. Detroit cars do not have the character or style of the classics for some of us.

You're having to match the rotational speed of the cable to the speedo to give the right reading.
Some have gears to change some won't ever be right.
If it's an electronic model you can program it for wheel size etc. You can have the speedo upgraded to look original but modern electronic guts top match. Just how much you want to do to get an accurate speed. I'd talk to the suppliers and let them figure it out.

Hot rods have all the class and style of Lady Gaga and Boy George. If a Chrysler Mini-Van can out perform a vintage Ferrari on a racing course then I don't see the point of a hot rod.