Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

1951 300 model.
Found the two screws easy enough on the top.
I can see the two nuts on studs underneath the dash on the bottom of the gauge cluster. I can barely get to them.
I cannot figure out what size they are !
I thought for sure they were 3/8's.
I have tried 5/16, 3/8, even 8,10.
In my sockets i saw an 11/32 but there is no way i am getting a socket in there.
Has to be a wrench.

What size are the nuts, on the studs, for the bottom of the instrument cluster ?
Anybody know for sure ?

Thanks.

The parts manual says the nut is #G120622 and the utility section say that part# is a cad plated 8-32 standard nut. McMaster has the standard 8-32 nuts at 11/32 wide. It might be worth investing in a set of ignition wrenches although you would need a midrange set because that particular size is not part of Amazon's cheapest 8 or 10 wrench sets. You may still need to loosen and drop the headlight switch though because IIRC, it is fairly close to the left stud and nut.

I can't remember what all I used, but I remember those two little nuts required LOTS of patience!!!

And I want ro pull my cluster again, but have been avoiding it.

Thank you ! And now i have an excuse to go buy more tools !!!

I've got lots of pics from my 53 if you need. I labeled everything as I took it apart.

I've got lots of pics from my 53 if you need. I labeled everything as I took it apart.

I think I just ended up using some small metric wrench. Can't remember the size. Just need to get them loose then undo then by hand. Do not put the nuts back on the studs when you reinstall. Leave them off for your own sake.

This video may have some helpful tips

On a 55-56 they are 3/8 drive.

I suggest cracking them loose with an open end wrench then spinning off by hand. They are almost never seized on. Just hard to access.

Edit: Actually, I can confirm that specific nut is 11/32 drive. Same as the rear window lower outside molding retaining nut.