Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hello all,

I am wondering what realistic options there are for adding an overdrive to a 1931 840 so as to enable comfortable and with-traffic safe Interstate/Motorway driving. I have about 60,000 miles experience with a Mitchell overdrive on a Model A and am very happy with it, but understand its design is not really suitable for 1931 Packard. I am aware of Gear Vendors' equipment and all I read seems positive. Do any others have good experience with other options?

Interested in any views,

Andrew Bright

Saratoga, California

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/300879-high-speed-gears-for-packard/

https://www.edlservicesllc.com/o-r-f-manufacturing

G'day Andrew(Stimpy Cat),
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '31 840, with or without overdrive, in PackardInfos's Packard Vehicle Registry.

Thank you all,

A late follow-up to this:
- In the end, I did not end up acquiring an 840; my work proceeded with a 1932 Model 902 (added to registry)
- EDL Services proved indeed responsive and helpful, though ultimatley did not have a higher-speed rear end ratio differential gear available for a Model 902; they did state that they could commission new construction for a series, but the cost of this would be particulalry high - higher than they were ready to ask for
- In the end I purchased a Gear Vendors overdrive, and had it installed by Pumphrey & Co of Campbell, CA; I am quite happy with the results, acheiving a comfortable cruise of 65-70 mph
- I do remain convinced that the car is able to acheive an even higher cruise speed than this, one which would be closer to average [Californian] Interstate / [European] Motorway cruising speeds by swapping out the differential gears for a higher rear-end ratio in addition to having the overdrive. However, I find few other Packard owners that seem ready to agree with me on this, and am considering to go on a mission to change persons view on this; time will tell where I land with this.

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Quote:
for including your '32 Standard Eight Convertible Sedan in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.