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Hmmm...6v Gener-nator 50amps. ...want amperage? want to be original? make me wonder why no one has expressed any interest in the original Packard 50amp generator I posted a while back, even specifically setup for the wide belt 356 engine...amperage is not a problem requiring a modern day "fix".

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Good point. The 50 amp generator is a good match to the typical 6v alternator outputs currently being sold and would most likely fulfill any needs. Downside is it would require at the least a new calibration but probably a new regulator to achieve the stated output.

Just my opinion but I think a reason some prefer an alternator over the generator is the alternators are thought to be generally less fussy and deliver their increased current at lower engine speeds. The ability to eliminate the need for a regulator and the added requirement of replacing or sorting out of any issues with that part of the circuit could also be a factor.

ROADTRIP is going well. Before leaving, Six States Distributors installed a new drive shaft using the spline parts from the one I bought from Joe Block. I also had a red pinstripe added. I drove the first 300 miles from Portland to Crescent City CA on the coast route. I stayed at Oceanfront Lodge where the Pebble Beach tour will have lunch on the 18th. As beautiful as 5 years ago. On the next 300 miles, I expected smoke from the Carr fire, but saw none. A beautiful drive through the redwoods finally arriving in SFO with my son Joey and his family.

There was some heavy construction with one way traffic, and I heard an awful noise like the fan blades hitting on something. I pulled into the workers parking area to check it out. Nothing. It turned out to be some piece of pneumatic equipment being used. I was relieved.

I wanted a photo of the Duchess in front of what was the Earle C Anthony San Francisco dealership where she was sold on Aug 20, 1939, but much of Van Ness Ave is torn up and the entire block in front of the Maybeck designed building that housed Packard until 1960 or so was blocked. The ramp to bring the cars in is at the back of the showroom. I asked if I could bring the car in for a photo. This is a British Motor Car dealership now. They were great, moving cars so The Duchess could be displayed in the center of the showroom.

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Joe,

Great that The Duchess was able once again to enjoy the splendour of the E.C. Anthony showroom. Very accommodating of the present dealership to do so much so you could accomplish that. Kudos to them.

Thanks, Mal.

British Motor Car Distributors' Sales Dept people were very gracious and interested in the car. They liked the rubber-stamped data plate. Fascinated by the engine size. In one week it will be the 79th anniversary of it being sold. Guess I'll have to come back next year with some champagne.

Here are a couple more pix.

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Wow...This is just wonderful, Joe. Not many Packard Automobiles get to go back to the beginning. You and your Packard are in my prayers for a safe and wonderful trip. I am very impressed with the amount of work that you have put into your Packard and I'll bet she runs just fine for the entire trip. Ernie in Arizona

In the "Right at Home2" picture, The Duchess appears to be smiling.

Thanks for sharing these.

Are you still in California? I'm in San Jose and thought perhaps you might be going back through the area and we could say "hello".

R9 SOLENOID
I've been through this movie before.
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=9879&forum=1

But it appears, if you just need to clean the contacts, according to the photo I took when I had it out of the car to replace the seal, that I can remove the wires and screws, pull the cap, and clean them, without taking it out of the car.

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Should be all that is needed but the contacts that disconnect the pull in coil when the plunger fully extends carry a lot of current. When they open they can arc enough to eventually pit and lose contact. They were an item that could be replaced if no longer able to be serviced or bent enough to maintain contact but doubt any of the vendors would still have them.

In case you need a roadmap to the various contact sets here is an illustration from the Econodrive training manual.

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