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Yes it was confusing, what I was trying to say was on a three brush generator it would have a cutout regulator compared to an two brush generator using a full field voltage regulator.
See attached photo and you will see why I ask.
Richard

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I can't tell for sure from the photo just what you have there. The original Owen-Dyneto regulator was more than a cut-out, it also included a sophisticated (for the era) 2-stage charging control. ECHLIN/NAPA continued to make replacement units until just a few years ago and when word got out of their plans to discontinue, the supply dried up very quickly. Though there were (and still are) some alternatives to the original cutout unit, some shops offered conversion of the generator from 3- to 2-brush operation which then allowed full generator control as in post-1936 cars.

Senior Packards thru 1936 continued to use the 3-brush generator and O-D # 21262 control, NAPA's NORS replacement was Echlin VR-755. I'm still running the original O-D unit and must say it's longevity without problems has been exceptional.

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I don't think that is the original voltage regulator, but given how hard it is to find an original I'd say it's not something I would knock unless judging for best of show. As well, if they don't know what the chassis lubricator is expect a good round sum for suspension work. I see a lot of stuff today that was preserved original being flashed up and marketed as restored. And of course, a lot of fakes.

It's a shame to see the lack of appreciation for how much care Packard put into the plated radiator shell. Paul Lamb had a 34 Club Sedan that was original right down to the pin stripes. It had the plated shell and shutters option, which was a popular option. While I prefer the painted shutters, the quality Packard put into that option was out of the ballpark. It was so good I would never consider changing it.

I've have never found a verifiable period picture of a production eight cylinder car with a painted shell. A few black out cars like the Vanderbilt car that had all bright work painted over, and a cropped photo from who knows when.

I don't know what the painted shell on the V-12 was all about, but I suspect it was the influence of Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and a prelude to the future major body style revision. Sort of a "Hey less is more, Right?".

NEVER SAY NEVER on a painted shell showing up on an EIGHT.
EIGHT Parts Book calls out shells 209499 & 205625 - Specify Color for '33 & '34 EIGHTs and SUPERs

Chrome or polished stainless bright finishes on radiator shells really only had a popular vogue from the mid-1920's until designer efforts to more fully integrate all parts of the body into a unified whole began with the REO Royale and Graham 'Blue Streak'. Visually lengthening the hood both with full-length, over-the-cowl and painted radiator shells were devices utilized to that affect.

Packard may not have jumped immediately on the trend for all series though would have accommodated all taste by option selection.

When the more streamlined 1935 styling arrived, a chrome-plated radiator shell on anything other than an imported luxury car, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, M-B was considered gauche.

Steve

As I said previously I have yet to see a verifiable period picture of a production eight cylinder car, other that the 900 and a few blackout cars, with a painted radiator shell.

As well, I can't understand the total lack of appreciation people exhibit as regards the care Packard put into plating those radiator shells. That is about as civil an expression I figure on the subject.

Why not touch up a Steinway piano with a can of Krylon?

I had a chance to buy this (or an identical car) in Fredericksburg, VA for $1500, but my Packard guru, Bill Ferris, told me that was not a good driver...so I took his advice and passed on it.
Oh...forgot to mention...that was in 1966....

I am the proud owner now, a beautiful car that was much better then what I thought. A few things need to be done, like what Dave suggested and some acorn nuts on the engine etc.
Richard

Richard,
Congratulations and for including your very nice '34 Eight Coupe for 2-4 Passengers in the Packard Owners Registry.

I wonder what happened to these two?

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