Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I just got a Packard script backup light and was trying to figure the activation switch and the mounting bracket.

I assume the switch works off the shift housing, probably off a rod. The bracket I assume is off the drivers (left) rear bumper bracket. I think it would be easy to fabricate if I knew what it looked like.

Anyone have a photo of either?

Thanks

Bill

The switch is illustrated for earlier years in the senior parts book, I assume 1938 senior is the same or similar, as the transmission is the same. If so, the switch is bolted to the rear of the trans and activated when the 1st/reverse shifter rail moves rearward to engage reverse. I'll post a scan later if you still can't locate it.

PS - if you look in the Super 8 section of the 1937/1938 Shop Manual, the view of the transmission shows the switch exactly as described above.

Thanks for the help. Super 8 Transmissions are covered on pages 102 thru 105. I have the short version of the Manual. I don't see anything like what you mentioned. Is it only in the unabridged version?

Wow, something new I've learned! I never knew there were both an abridged and unabridged form of the 37/38 shop manual and I don't know which I have but the Super 8 section is on pages 84 thru 117 and the trans is pictured on page 106.

I still think that's the switch at the rear of the rail, same as 1936 and earlier seniors, though the backup light was both standard equipment and conceptually different in those '36 and prior years. Rather than provide illumination for vision, the senior car backing light in the earlier years just activated the brake lights, more to give warning that the car was about to back up than to provide lighting.

My book is 3/8" softbound (paper)repro. I think the original one had many more pages.

My page 106 is titled, Overdrive Unit and has sections 252 Dash control and 253 removal.