Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi everyone,

Here is what is probably a very dumb question: I'm taking the starter from my 55 Packard down to NAPA for testing this afternoon. Is there any differences in the testing process because of + Ground I should be aware of?

Thanks gang -

Nope. It will spin the same no matter what the polarity is. Incidentially, if you want to switch the car over to negative ground it's a pretty easy process as well.

Turbopacman;
Thank you for that information! I don't know why I have so much trouble wrapping my brain (what's left of it) around this. If it doesn't happen soon, switching polarity might not be a bad idea.
Thanks, again -

When you do, let me know and I'll walk you through it.

Again, thank you!
You may be sure that I will.

By the way, got the starter tested - worked perfectly!

Converting 55s from POS to NEG ground is straight forward. You only NEED to do that if you are using a modern stereo (like me) or an external HiCap/MSD ignition box (like me).

WRT polarity: The starter, T-L motor & control box, vacuum tube AM radio, clock. coil (sort of) and (of course) all lights do not care. The Ammeter does care, but is easily switched. The generator cares, but is easily converted. The voltage regulator may or or may not care and if it does care, will go up in smoke.

However, it is probably a good idea to convert to NEG ground (like 56) in any case so that no service guy or subsequent owner (both possibly ignorant of 55 being POS ground) installs a battery with reverse polarity (NEG ground) by mistake. At the very least this will drain the battery to zero after a while. At the most, this can be VERY inconvenient.

Craig

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The AM tube type radio most certainly does care about input power polarity.

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No it does not.

Craig

Thank you Craig, Bob and of course Turbopackman for the benefit of your experience It is, as always, most appreciated.
I think the thing that may be best (while perhaps the hardest) is to pound the Positive Ground theory, concept and practices into what passes for my brain.
Craig, however, does raise an important point about service people and future "caretakers". Did Packard have any sign, decal or notice attached that the system is Positive Ground? Or did they just assume that Packard owners would never go to anyone but Packard Dealers for service.
If there was such an item, where could I get an example? If they didn't I'll try and come up with something myself. Not only for the '55 but also my '51. I've seen first hand what happens when the two systems meet in the wrong fashion.
Once again, my thanks to all for your help and a special thanks to Portlandon for turning me on to now my '55 in the first place.

No decals, all Packard before 1956 were positive ground, so everyone knew it was standard. Nowadays it's not so common and people get confused rather easily.