Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Does anyone have any idea how to change the headlight dimmer on a 55 Caribbean without pulling out the master cylinder or worse?headlight dimmer

Doesn't it just come out through the floorboard, from underneath? I didn't have to disturb anything but the front floor carpet.

The dimmer switch is fastened to the floor board by a pair of screws and nuts, but you'll need to pull the carpeting back a little to get at the heads of the screws and have a helper hold them, while you turn the nuts, from below (or vice-versa).

Unless the convertible has bracing at that location all work is done from underneath (after removing the two retaining screws from the top). Pulling the MC wouldn't help as there is a sheet metal piece separating the two areas on the rest of cars.

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Howard, that has to be the cleanest underbody I have ever seen!

The Caribbean is different than the 400s and Patricians. There is extra metal work in the way that makes it almost impossible to get at. I figured if I removed the Master Cylinder I may possibly be able to get at it from the hole in the floor.

I haven't seen a convertible up close but the rest of the cars have that sheet metal piece which divides the areas & don't think even removing the MC would help--unless that piece not there on a convert. Actually, just looked at & borrowed a picture from Randy's project blog. Looks like that piece is there. Is the entire bottom area covered if you lay on ground & reach up behind the tire?

And Brian, the reason car is clean is that it hardly ever leaves garage.

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G'day clipper374,
to PackardInfo and for including your Panama in the Owner Registry.

I looked at the dimmer switch and after removing the two screws that hold it to the floor it can be snaked out through the oval hole as seen in the picture. The cable itself goes through the circular hole just below with a grommet to protect the wiring. Once the switch has been snaked out of the oval hole the terminal screws can be loosened and the switch can be removed. It would seem the most convenient way to do this would be from underneath the car.

Thanks Randy. That will probably work. Now I have to worry about lining up the screw holes to re-install it. But, I shall overcome.

You might try a wire coat hanger bent into a hook at the end. You could fish the wire up through one screw hole and pull the switch up snug. That would allow you to start a screw in the other hole and then remove the wire hanger - just a thought.