Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Thanks for bringing the starter info to my attention, Packard Don
Mack

I have added a starter button to my 53 Cavalier. My carb starter switch has become stuck more than once and adding the auxiliary button was simple. I mounted it on the lower lip of the instrument panel near the steering column. Add a short wire from the key switch to the button and a wire from the button through the firewall to the solenoid and you are done.

BTW, I never heard this car run or my 54 either. I always plan to tear the engine down on any car that has sat for years.

That must have been a frequent mod in the day and adding a Ford pushbutton was one of the first things many owners did on Packards. My father certainly knew how to do it on his and I have dismantled more than one with an added button. Buick was another that had the accelerator start and would not be surprised if a few of those had a Ford pushbutton in a similar mod. No idea who else might have used that accelerator start method but the PB saves a lot of aggravation when the engine does not want to start after a push or two on the accelerator. It does not take much more than two pushes before it results in a flooded engine which creates a whole new reason for it not wanting to start.

I bypassed the carb mounted start switch on my 47 Custom. Disconnected the wires from the switch and brought them into the car through a wiring harness hole in the cowl wall. Connected them to a push button switch under the dash. Left the carb switch in place so it would be easy enough for a subsequent owner to restore to original.