Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I have just purchased my first classic American car, a 1955 Hardtop 400. As expected there are a number of issues, the most puzzling being the left hand stoplight not working. The right hand works ok as do both indicators. As the stoplight and indicators apparently use a common feed wire I am puzzled by the failure. Maybe due to a fault within the direction indicator switch? Any suggestions gratefully received.

Hammy,
If you changed the left and right bulbs does it give you the same results?

Also welcome to Packard ownership.

If the bulb and socket is OK and swap doesn't help, since the tail lights and directional signals work on both sides, then it is most likely the direction signal switch. Most likely is the switch may have the fixed contact mounting plate warped or contacts have become oxidized so that the terminal to the left rear filament isn't making a good connection with the sliding contact piece to connect the brake light feed to that side. If the support warps and contact moves more than a tiny bit the moving plate cannot make the connection.

Here is an extraction of the turn signal circuit. The circuitry and operation is the same but the 55 switch is physically different from the earlier switch shown with the circuit.

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G'day Hammy,
to PackardInfo. I invite you to include your '55 400 in the Packard Owner's Registry.

if u ever need bulbs for the spotlights,u can buy them right from Unity corp. i bought 2 new ones for mine ,exact like the original

Thanks, I will try a bulb sawp

Many thanks, I will first try a bulb swap but if unsuccessful examine the indicator switch. I assume access to this requires removal of the steering wheel? I should have mentioned I live in the U.K. So obtaining parts may present some issues. The car is stored away from my home so collecting it to do some work requires some forward planning.

Thanks

Hi what do you need to register the car? The VIN number is 55874795. I bought it in April 2017 from a dealer in Scotland who told me it had been imported from the US 2 years previously. It has had one other owner since it's time in the U.K. Other than that I have no other history.

I can't help on the registration question other than to say in the US, requirements vary by individual states. Typically you would need some prior registration paperwork signed off by the previous owner indicating he relinquished his ownership, usually something indicating an amount paid for tax purposes, and if the registration was not current the car may need the paperwork and Vehicle Number verified by either the motor vehicle dept or by a private inspector licensed by the state. Some states are relatively lax on old cars and others treat them just like new vehicles. Perhaps some of your countrymen can tell you what is required in the UK.

To get to the turn signal switch you will need to remove the steering wheel. The center emblem is held by a rubber O ring which is compressed into a groove. There is also a sponge rubber anti vibration piece under the emblem between the nut and the back of the emblem. Usually the emblem will just pry out but be aware that a very bad thing is frequently the rubber has deteriorated to a point it acts like sticky glue. If that has happened, trying to pry the emblem out with anything hard such as a screwdriver will most likely break a chip or a large chunk off the clear plastic edge of the emblem. All I can suggest is if it appears to be sticking be extremely gentle in trying to get it off. Perhaps others have more sage advice.

Once the emblem is off the nut is visible. It takes a US size 1 1/4 inch socket to unscrew. A 32mm socket might work. When the nut is off you will see two small threaded holes on either side. Those are for a steering wheel puller which you will most likely need to use and they take a US size 5/16-24 threaded bolt. I don't know if any metric size bolt could be made to work in those holes.

Once the wheel is off the turn signal switch will be visible.

Here are a couple of photos illustrating the holes for the wheel puller and a typical puller that can usually be rented. You can also make something by drilling some holes in a piece of fairly heavy flat stock and with a few bolts fabricating a suitable replacement. Whatever you use take care not to damage the threads on the end of the steering shaft.

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