Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I just found out that you already discussed the green wheel/gold contact switch. How about a rotary switch (marine tool)?

manufacturer Hella
225A (continuous power)

Gerd, I did see the Hella switch but where I was going to mount originally, preferred all metal & a higher capacity. It also has a removable key and since all I have to do is walk across the room to lose things, kind of ruled it out on that count as well.

The green knob ones have been subject of a few discussions. Some brands are good, some not so much & I also wanted mine one more built in.

EDIT. I didn't see the marine one but it looks a bit large. Anyway, will stick with what I have for now since everything is bought and mostly installed.

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I was just about to start a computer-aided grid investigation for the mentioned floor mounted switch.

Here are two pictures of the set-up I made from parts from a Battery Brain III that I bought but it just didn't work out on my car.(its still sitting on my work bench) So I salvaged the parts and added a heavy duty switch from Harbor Freight and a.25 cent extension to my battery hold down bolts. I just open the hood and turn the switch when I pull into the garage. Its a nice feeling since I have an attached garage.

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Played around with some operating options on the disconnect switch today. No matter which, will need an extension on the switch to clear the firewall carpet. Measured what will be needed and made the extension to either accept the original lever at carpet level or an extended rod to a dash knob. The dash bracket uses existing screws & holes at emerg brake bracket and one other. Tried a Packard knob to see what it looked like -- leaning toward a less obvious black one from McMaster.

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Howard, that looks pretty good. I see a "kit" possibility here!

I'd buy one, good piece of mind and convenience in one package. I wonder if the end of the long extension rod can be modified to fit one of the Packard dash knobs for a unified look.

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It can. I haven't decided on which knob I'll go with yet. Am leaning toward one from McMaster but need to make the shaft multipurpose if I do.

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I would prefer the Packard knob for looks. Since thius is somewhat of a safety issue the wing type knob is better because it can be read at a glance as Off or On.

As to battery size.....

Mine pooped out on a tour. Not knowing what I needed, we went to a local Walmart, measured the space and got the biggest battery that would fit, thinking that any extra amp-hours are always useful somewhere along the way.....

These days you do wonder if all batteries are the same size, but in a bigger case......

One is the problems with most of the batteries out there today is the molded pieces on the side of them for the carry handles. So the rectangular packard hold-down doesn't fit correctly. I ended up taking the battery hold down with me and went to several different part stores trying to find a battery that would both fit, and the terminals were in the correct orientation. I finally found a die-hard battery in the automotive section of a K-Mart that was a perfect fit for the '54 battery hold down.

When I got the car it had a much smaller battery sitting in the tray with a bungee cord holding it in place.