Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Does anyone have any sources for a replacement dash voltage regulator? Please advise!

Standard 5V regulator. Did you Google?

Max Merritt lists the factory part number as available on an exchange basis. It would appear that is an original item and priced accordingly but some Ford models also used a similar item that is available for much less. I don't have a number for those but perhaps someone else has bought a Ford replacement from Napa or another parts store and can give a recommendation.

The Packard gauges are the typical King-Seeley heater and bimetal type which were used by other mfgs and needs an average of 5v for their supply. The original regulator works by virtue of a heater controlling a bimetal strip. The load determines how fast and for how long the heater and bimetal strip in the regulator will open and close a contact to ground. That results in a pulsing 12 volts out to the gauges but the frequency and duration of the pulses will average the output to be about 5v constant thru the gauges.

I know some have used a relatively inexpensive modern solid state 12v to 5v power supply available from Amazon and Ebay in lieu of the original item but I do not remember seeing any feedback to know which one was purchased or how those gauges are performing.

A power supply with a plastic housing should work. Many with a metal housing have the negative side grounded which could not be mounted to a positive ground car.

Just connect the input AND output + to ground, input – to the regulator harness connection, and output – to the gauges.

A 7805 type linear regulator can also be used.

1956 was negative ground.

Right. Didn't notice the year.

Packard used the same voltage regulator from 1951-1956.

6v, 12v, positive, negative. It doesn't matter. It's a simple chopper circuit.

I just purchased a solid state voltage regulator for a 64-67 mustang . I plan to install it as soon as the Heat Wave is over. My plan is to just switch the regulator and then if that doesnt work I'm think of replacing the wires as well! I'm tired of intermitten gauges.

The wires are an unlikely culprit. Did you clean the connections ON the senders themselves? Usually they are corroded and grimy, and are little more than spring clips. The oil one slides off sideways, the water temperature one pulls straight off the end.

One advantage those older chopper style voltage regulators have is they help to smooth out the gauges a little bit. I've found the solid state ones make some gauges, like fuel gauges a little overly "twitchy".