Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

After reading this,

What made the switch not work?

And

Can they be rebuilt?

Hello All,

I understand this thread is over 10 years old, but needed to post about our 56 Patrician.
We're having the same sticking ignition switch problem and started searching for a replacement NOS or workable more modern switch that would interchange.

We replaced the brake switch a few months ago and now have a functioning torsion level control and brake lights. What a great system when it's working. Our visitors are totally amazed at Packard's innovations. But while driving the car in the local Halloween parade yesterday I found the ignition switch acting up as well as the neutral safety switch not working.



Any heads up as to problems that may await us doing the repair, most appreciated.

William
(National Packard Museum - Warren, Ohio)

I plan to start reproducing the metal contact in these that goes bad. But I'm not there yet.

A neat idea I saw on someone's car at Hershey was to connect a relay to the power antenna "up" terminal, so you pull the power antenna knob to start the car. The starter is disabled when you are not in P or N, so you can even still use the antenna without trying to start the motor as long as you are, for example, in Drive. This would even work when the car is stopped.

If you are interested in this I can send some instructions on wiring this up.

Would appreciate the instructions when you have a chance.
I'll be looking for a switch this week but can use the power antenna switch (with relay) in the mean time.

Thanks

You can use a standard 12V 10A automotive relay with leads, and some ring terminals. Then also buy some bullet connectors (25 male + 25 female, blue 14-16 awg):ebay.com/itm/235646027410

Here is the schematic.

Attach file:

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  Antenna Pull Starter Switch.png (215.16 KB)

I would opt for the standard 30 amp cube type relay vs one with a 10 amp rating. The large Delco pinion shift solenoid used in senior cars pulls a lot of current which is enough to melt the starter contacts in the ign switch. That failure point with the contact melting is probably what has caused the sticking and staying on issue in the current switch.

In this photo you can see the melt spot on flat part of the moving contact plate. The circled area on the fixed terminal side with the black dot in the center is the melted thru stationary start contact. Normally that melted contact would be a raised bump pressed into the metal and be smooth and rounded over just like the other terminals.

Good point. I have a spare Delco coil lying around, I need to test the impedance.

Thanks very much.



Bill