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Gear-Star Ultramatics were used at the very end of the '54 Production run. They are very similar in operation to the 55/56 Twin Ultramatics. The two easiest ways to check for a Gear-Start is either the traditional underhood transmission dipstick (instead on the under car one used on the previous ones). Also the gear selectior quadrant. '54 Early (and prior years) are PNHLR, Late '54 (Gear Start) are PN'DLR.

My trans selector has aPNHLR ,the dipstick is accessed from the floor but someone over the years has added an under the hood dipstick as well.

If you have the original ultra plus a dipstick under the hood, many would appreciate a picture of how it was done. Some have asked if it was possible using the later oil pans.

this is what it looks like

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Someone brazed in a bung approximately where the one is on a gear-start. Sweet. Looks like that should work nicely.

Does look good. How does it compare with the real one location wise & how long is the real one vs the add on. Did the add on look like it used a regular Packard stick or something modified from another brand? Any dimensions would be very helpful to have on file. Several who are tired of having to crawl under might be interested in this.

The part number on the dipstick is 1361594.I researched it to a 64-67 buick trans.Im assuming the tube is from the same.I will say that there was a slight descrepancy in the two readings .The previous owner made sure I knew that.I would think that could be fixed by lengthening or shortening the tube.

Honestly, this is a bit of work for something like this. I've been thinking it over while my tranny is in the shop and here's what i theorized:

I was thinking along the lines of a universal flexible shaft dipstick.
(hot rod shops have them in different lengths, and you can run it up and attach the steel braided dipstick tube to the firewall.)

Like this but not a $100 one:
Dipstick


A standard chevy or something regular may work if the bent tube and length isn't bad. Now make sure the ultramatic is exactly at it's full level. Take the dipstick out, and use a rubber pipe reducer with 2 hose clamps to connect the dipstick tube to the larger dipstick hole on the transmission. Put the stick in, pull it out, and mark it with a chisel where the full mark is. Done and no need to drop the pan or do any brazing or drilling!

Edit:

Like one of these:
coupler

paintdaddy for including your '54 Clipper Deluxe Sportster in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Sportsters were available in all three trim levels of the clipper line. i have personaly seen one example of each. some of them including one pictured in the "packard motor car photo archive 1946-1958" even had the panama script on them. which would make sense due to the fact that the spotster was supposed to be a special model marketed towards those who wanted a panama but couldn't afford one. my Sportster is a delux trim car, but has "clipper" scripts where the "panama" scripts are normaly. My car also left the dealership with a pre '53 sr 327-9 main drivetrain installed per the owner's request.