Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

In regards to LEDs in the dash/cluster lights, they make things significantly brighter. But, you have to use the right sort of bulbs. First, if you want to retain the ability to dim, then you need to make sure the bulbs are actually dimmable ones. 2nd, regular incandescent bulbs are omni-directional. Which means they shine line is a 360 pattern. Individual LED elements are uni-directional, they only shine line in one direction. This is why many LED bulbs have multiple elements. Must dash gauge light illuminate light sideways. So you need LED bulbs with elements on the sides. Otherwise the LEDs will actually look dimmer.

If you look through my '37 project blog, I show examples of the LED bulbs I used and the before and after of how it changed the brightness.

I was on the site and noted the 56 Trunk Lining Set (Reproduction vs Original). It is down the road; but, at some point I will need to install a trunk liner. The note below the picture referred to it as a "Sue Cleereman reproduction set" Does anyone know if this is still available and how to acquire a set?

I believe Sue is Joel Ray's wife and I seem to remember a post to the effect she was retiring and no longer doing the sets. You might contact Joel at Patrician Industries or maybe thru his ebay store and see if that is fact and if it is, did anyone else take over the project.

I’ve asked Joel several times but, while he answered other questions, he ignored that one. I also wrote to her directly by way of her Facebook page and no reply there either.

I just spoke to Joel, and he said Sue will still make them. She was a Dentist, and she sold her practice and retired a couple years ago from that. Contact Joel directly for more info.

It has been a while since I have updated my progress: Just to catch up,
Finished sewing the seats, even made a pillow to match. Sitting in the back seat staring at the dash and the cracked vinyl with no padding left, I knew that I needed to address it. It was a nightmare. Removing the steering column, lowering the dash, and separating the two halves of the dash was not fun. Whenever I became overwhelmed, I walked away. (I walked away a lot)
Staples! I have never seen two pieces of metal stapled together. Fortunately, I followed the advice of drilling the holes for the rivets, before removing the staples. While the dash was lowered, I examined the wiring closely. It was a rat nest with no attempt to follow the wire color code. Rewired all but two circuits. When the dash was re-assembled, I re-installed it along with the steering column and all trim. Those two circuits that worked before, no longer worked. Dash lights first then the turn signals. Removing the dash a 2nd time and ohm testing every wire, I discover the light for the pushbuttons went to ground. Never an issue before until I corrected the other circuits. The housing for the push buttons has a rib in the top half, and the black wire was pinched under the rib when I assembled it. Now the dash is in place for the third time. I am very proficient at lowering the dash.
Doing the work by myself I found a trick to installing the steering column back. I made a cover that places no pressure on the horn mechanism in the column and attached the nut to the steering rod, so that I am not fighting it when bent over the fender. Bought a headliner off eBay for a great price but it was advertised for a clipper. Took a shot and it fits my Patrician. Had to make new clips for the bows, but it looks nice. Made my own windlace (a lot of windlace) The trim piece between the doors was shot. There is a slight curve to this panel, used a pot on the stove to steam the chip board and clamped it into a jig overnight. I did put my own flair on the fabric to match the fabric on the doors.
Still have a lot to do. Do not have a clue about vacuum powered wipers. I have a wire for the wipers tagged under the dash, but no clue where it goes. Guessing to the wiper fluid option did not see a place on the switch that I have. Previous owner took everything for wipers apart and placed all of it in a box labeled “Packard.” Not sure how to attach the black cylinder to the wiper motor or what it is called. Still have three door cards to make, and the trunk; but these can wait. Going to test all of the electrical for the dash circuits and install the front seat. I really want to take it out for my first road test. It will probably be to the gas station.

Attach file:

---

  20250315_163249.jpg (2,388.85 KB)


  20250511_152039.jpg (1,882.31 KB)


  20250425_190201.jpg (2,608.70 KB)


  20241223_102301.jpg (1,081.01 KB)

Impressive progress! This post I think will have all the answers for you for the wipers assuming the motor was not taken apart, including the mounting of the coordinator (black cylinder).

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... 8299&post_id=272250#forumpost272250

Hopefully one of the 3 times you dropped the dash, you oiled the wipers, right? 😳 If not, remove the Phillips screw and lift it out from the top. Drown the bronze bearing in 3-in-1 oil from the REAR, as well as oil the part in the center that the motor attaches to. The manual (Instruments section) explains how to disconnect and reconnect the cables.

If it doesn't work well then just take the motor off (very easy) and send to Ficken Wiper, I think under $200 still for a full rebuild on one.

Important:

This shows the wiper system partially disconnected at the start, and I explain it a bit:

I did indeed, examined and oil the wires inside. I watched the video about checking drag this last weekend and went out and verified that I can easily move the rectangle. Do not have wiper arms and blades on, so maybe that helped.

I am back under the hood this weekend. I have a few questions. I do not have the bolt or wing nut for the oil bath air cleaner to the carb. Do not know the size, thread, or length. I assume the threaded rod was in the carb and the cleaner went down on the rod, along with the two holed top, then a wing nut. Also, no battery hold-down top. I see where the tray on the fender has a divot on the front and rear towards the bottom. I have two threaded rods with a hook type end; these I assume are the bolts that will hold down the top. I guess I will have to fabricate a top but no clue as to how it should look.
I ground an edge onto a sacrificial socket (12mm - no use) and heated it to create the holes for the front seat bottom in the carpet. Worked great. After the seat was in and bolted down, did I realize that I forgot to pull the 12v feed for the front seat upper cigarette lighter, out from under the carpet. Thought about not connecting it, but realized friends especially younger ones will want to see it work, for the novelty.

Attach file:

---

  20250517_180201.jpg (1,020.10 KB)


  20250517_180206.jpg (946.75 KB)

The battery hold-downs are actually flattened at the ends rather than simply being a bent rod and hook under the stamped bits front and back of the tray. I have a photo somewhere but can’t locate it at the moment so will append this if I do locate it. The ring around the top of the battery is also steel with a hole front and rear through which the hold-downs protrude but the ring doesn’t fit many modern batteries, unfortunately. My notes have this:

Battery 6-1/4” X 13” MAX for stock retainer

I still can’t find the photo of the bolts but this is what the ring looks like: