Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Update to this old thread...

Here's a picture of the panel they used in place of the gear indicator, on a 55 Constellation.

Bonus pic of the pedal setup.

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Also as a comparison, the BRAKE panel from a 56 Patrician with button shift.

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  Screenshot_20221020_143452.jpg (383.73 KB)

Not only no Ultramatic but no power brakes either!

Quote:
The red BRAKE indicator is a warning light that is controlled with a switch activated by the emergency brake mechanism and illuminates if the emergency brake handle is pulled out more than a notch. Don't know exactly when it became available but believe the emergency warning light was an option on any brake/trans combination. IIRC, on 55-6 cars with Ultramatics where the dash quadrant space was needed the red light is a small round indicator light mounted in an under dash bracket just to the left of the steering column.

Here is the switch that activates the light.

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  IMG_2584.jpeg (119.01 KB)

Yes, my 1956 Clipper Custom has it and until I saw mentioned of it on this site a couple years ago I thought it was some odd owner add-on! It certainly looks unprofessional.

Thanks Howard and Don.

I've never heard of it as an option on the 55's and considering the piece is different between 55 and 56 I'm guessing it was only a 56 thing.

Wonder if it is on the 56 schematic. I don't recall seeing it.

For me personally, I sometimes have a bit of trouble getting my legs in the car if the emergency brake is pulled. So I don't really need a reminder 😁