Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I have downloaded the schematic but a study of the harness for the dash lights does not seem to connect up to power anywhere.
Might someone have the color and origin of the wire?
Danke!

The dash lights get power from the tail light terminal on headlight switch via a short jumper wire connecting to the rheostat wiper. The rheostat assy is on knob side of ceramic. Goes thru rheostat and then on to dash bulbs. I believe those are all 18 ga black wires. Courtesy lights also have their manual on/off switch as a second function of turning the headlight switch knob. That contact connects courtesy lamp bulbs to ground and is on the side of ceramic toward the engine.

If the lights are connected properly and powered but still no dash light, oxidation and corrosion on the wiper assy and a minuscule surface area on the connections via rivets from terminals to rheostat seem to be a persistent problem with old long sitting switches. The least bit of extra resistance anywhere in the circuit seems to kill the lights. Typically corrosion sets in on the plate the wiper slides against and between the tiny lip of peened over rivet and the terminal.

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On my car I had to twist the bulb sockets a little behind then dash. Just enough corrosion to keep them from making a ground.

You will be impressed with the instrument lights when you get them working. They cast a warm golden glow. Most soothing and attractive.

(o{}o)

HH, you are THE man. The detail you provided was not visible on my print. And JW, I could use some 'soothing", this car has been anything but. Thus far.

Is it possible to remove the whole dash as an assembly? I would like to do some general clean up and removing the instrument cluster still leaves behind the switches, like the headlight. Maybe I missed something in a search of the manuals posted here.
Thanks!

Yes but it is somewhat of a project with everything that needs to be disconnected and pulled thru with the dash. I've done it by myself but a helper is a good idea because the dash is bulky and heavy.

Download the 55-6 AC install manualpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/55-56ACInstall.pdf There is a fairly decent procedure on how to remove the dash -- although because of the install they are doing, it does go a bit farther on a couple of things than is needed to just remove the dash for cleaning and service.

Does anyone know the name of the round electrical connectors used on wires for the switch? I pulled the switch out of my Clipper but it is missing the jumper from the linear switch to the rheostats.

It is a standard .156 diameter male bullet connector. You can get crimp ons at most parts stores. To more closely duplicate what the factory used you can remove the plastic insulation from the crimp ons and solder the wires to the connector or buy non insulated solder on type terminals at McMaster.

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Awesome, thanks Howard. Looks like these will work.

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