Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I've worked on gauges on many 55-56's, never thought of the need to remove the dash. Best idea is to be young and flexible, which you are, and have small hands. Maybe Pres Trump can help you

There is no comfortable way. To work under the dash.....even with the seat removed. I like the idea of finding someone with small hands but I think a contortionist under three feet tall is in order.
If anyone knows of a shop with a skinny mechanic ....please let me know. I have a speedometer that needs pulled and may sell the car rather than hanging upside down for the project.
Too bad most Packard owners are already eligible for Medicare..

Thanks for the directions everyone - I was hoping I wouldn't have to be a contortionist but oh well. Oh and, Fred, I wouldn't let Mr. Tiny Hands anywhere near my Packard, God knows what else he'd grab.

"God knows what else he'd grab." That there is funny :)
Having the dash loose from a '71 El Camino 5-6 times, the Packard seemed easy. Also you never want to get into an Avanti dash. Just take a deep breath and ease into it.

HE LIVES!

My '55 Patrician lives, no thanks to my tom foolery - note to self, just leave the damned thing alone.

Apparently I fried up the points....and I know exactly when I did it too. Since this is my first car with points I'm going to chalk that up to a learning experience.

He's also fixed my gages - because as previously discussed my ham handed ways knocked them out....apparently I stupidly left the ignition in the on position when back there and shorted something - but they're back, and another lesson learnt.

Last but not least my mechanic thinks the ethanol in the gas ate up the rubber in the accelerator pump when I left the car to sit for nearly 3 weeks.

All in all I've learned my lesson - leave it to a professional. Next stop, the detail shop!

I'm glad your car is alive and well but am curious how you could short or damage the points unless a power wire was somehow connected to them directly while they were closed. I have managed to overheat or oxidize points by leaving the key on for an extended time while the points were closed but generally that won't outright kill them.

Out of curiosity was the carb original or did it get a rebuild before you picked it up. I am surprised a modern rebuild kit would have any component that would deteriorate with ethanol.

Carb was rebuilt and the car was running very well, until I let it sit. I guess I should say the ethanol is a THEORY from my mechanic, given his past experience. He did send along a picture of bad part next to a new one - but again it is just a theory based on his experience.

So about that theory....

The car is running yes, but that's about it.

So the accelerator pump, a float (he found a bad float later) & the speedo cable were replaced - to stop the bouncing speedo issue. That's all good and well, but according to my mechanic it feels like the car is being choked when you hit the accelerator, unless you leave it to warm up for a very long time. Auto choke is good, timing is good, fuel system checks out. So that leaves just electrical?

My mechanic is a bit flummoxed but still trying to get it going right, last we spoke he's going to try putting in a good coil he happened to have.

Granted all I can keep imagining the ever lightening of my wallet and time NOT behind the wheel....ah well, at least once it's fixed it'll be FIXED.

.... it feels like the car is being choked when you hit the accelerator, unless you leave it to warm up for a very long time.

Exhaust manifold heat riser valve?

I'll pass that along to him, thanks for the suggestion!