Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

Houston, we have Ignition.......System.

Got all the plug wires, coil holder, wire seperator, and coil mounted.

Attach file:

---

  (88.05 KB)


  (86.68 KB)


  (48.71 KB)


  (109.43 KB)

would these be correct wires for the V8s?

Well the wire is Delco "Packard 440" 7mm Ignition wire. It was used on alot of cars in the 50's. It's usually sold in 100ft rolls. I just brought a partial roll from ebay. I've heard it referred to as "HotRod" wire. Originally the wire was made by Packard Electric. Before it was enveloped by GM/Delco.

I just think it looks more period then the plain, unmarked wire you normally see. I think the original "440" was solid core, but all this is stranded, as is all the modern versions of it. Restoration Supply in Escondido, CA caries it. Also here is a link to the current supplier I belive.

http://brillman.com/index.php?cPath=23_24

They carry many different styles of "period" igntion cables including the older cotton braided style.

would these be correct wires for the V8s?

I don't believe the rubber boots at the plug end are correct for a pre-1955 car; none of the engine pictures I've viewed in the parts book or other sources show them.

The boots would be correct for a V8, though the ends are not straight but angled at 135 degrees (halfway between straight and 90 degrees) and they have a ribbed section. I'm not at all certain when (or if) Packard used radio-resistor wire but I use the same copper-core wire in my 56. Just from a practical standpoint the copper core wire gives better longevity, albeit at perhaps some sacrifice in radio performance which can be overcome mostly by using resistor spark plugs.

1954 was the first year for boots and that plain staight style is correct for '54 Clippers. '53 and prior did not use boots on the plug side of wire.

This is based on the information and photographic evidence in the PI Judging guide. '54 was a kind of transition year, and there are many things more in common with the '55s then there were the '53s amoungst the Juniors.

Thanks for the info Kev. I'm a bit curious, what type of photographic evidence did PI have?

Dave, let me pull the guide back out and I will post the picture. Stay tuned

I made a mistake, 53 was the first year. But there is a difference between the 53-54, and 54 Senior boots as described in the excepts from the PI Engine Judging Guide (click on pics for larger versions). Note the angled boots in the second picture that apply to the '54 359s. Also the straight boots on the '54 Juniors.

Attach file:

---

  (64.27 KB)


  (140.67 KB)


  (200.23 KB)

With the water pump on hold until I can make some calls on Monday, and wait for the larger of my two monthly paychecks on the 15th. I decided to move onto other things to keep momentum moving forward.

So off I went to Napa this morning and picked up the new rear Wheel Cylinders, rear Brake Shoes, and the rear Brake Hose. So hopefully tomorrow I can get those rear drums pulled of and get to work on those. Once I get those done then I can finish up the braking system replacing the rust clogged hard lines. I already have a new master cylinder and the hardlines standing by for installation.

Thanks Kev, those details seem well-documented.