Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I know this was mentioned in at least one other post but now I am at my shop without power and only my iPad where I cannot locate the information to a simple question. Which direction of the under-dash switch deactivates the Torsion-Level ride? I want to attach a battery to see if the engine will crank over and do not want it to try to level while on stands!

If it is oriented properly the switch is off with handle towards the door and on towards the center of car BUT the little bump that is supposed to keep the switch from moving is somewhat weak. It can be broken which allows the switch to rotate or be incorrectly inserted in the hole.

Thank you, Howard! That's the direction that I had guessed but wanted to be sure. I've owned this Clipper Custom sedan for over four decades but drove it only once and, while I'm not starting restoration yet, I may begin a blog of what I am doing.

My mental logic is that if the switch is to the left, it is OUT, meaning out of operation. Conversely, if it is pointed IN, the TL is in operation.

My logic exactly but I needed the confirmation that Howard so kindly - and so quickly - provided!.

As a follow-up, it does indeed crank over! There is a dried but rusty looking stain underneath on the concrete so it appears that at least one freeze plug has rusted through so I guess I'll have to pull the engine to check it out more thoroughly before attempting to start it. I see two with a lot of corrosion around them but I hope there is no block damage. Going through it (not necessarily rebuilding) needs to be done anyway as it's not been started in decades. Other than the repair of accident damage from the one and only time I drove it and had the brakes fail, this is the first I've actually worked on it!

i concur. Our '56 Patrician's torsion level is off pointing at the driver's door, on pointing to the passanger door. Off to the left, on to the right.

Brass freeze plugs are the choice when rebuilding or replacing.