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

Is this one of the better Group 2 Batteries I can use on a 54 ? And where is place to get new battery connectors?

Also, I have seen some solar power 12 Volt battery chargers, but what about 6 Volt? I have not seen any yet? do thet have them?

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I have not seen a solar 6v auto charger either. There are some for other applications that might work on auto batteries but no guarantees.

Universal cable connectors are available at most parts stores, but if mine, I would go to one of the repro places and get some quality properly sized connectors or even a set of completely made 6 volt cables in proper gauge. Here is a clip from YnZ'shttp://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/ battery connector catalog as an example of their connectors. Rhode Island Wiringhttp://www.riwire.com/ and others have similar.

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Some great links.

At Harber Hieghts i saw this strange looking coin shaped feeler g, and this 6 v battery and engine starter a good one?

These conectors look right for 6 volt battery?

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I like the round feeler gauge. Trouble is, on looking it up on-line, it's an "In Store Only" item with the nearest Harbor Freight store for me 12,000kms, or 7,500miles, away!

Saw some interesting spark plug wires, were they really like this many years ago in cars

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Sure were. Colored vinyl or plastic insulation as we know it didn't come into widespread use till the early 50's. Before that, most wires were either a plain black rubber with maybe a few color variations or the fabric covered rubber for the woven color tracers if a lot of different wires were needed. As those rubber types aged, they became stiff and cracked easily. Early vinyl insulation had the same problems --only it cracked at a relatively young age. Once that was sorted out, they became better, cheaper and the wire of choice.

The battery terminals are similar to the so called universal type. Those look more like for connecting a battery temporarily to something else. Not usually seen in automotive with the wing nuts. I suppose they are OK in a pinch. I would avoid them and get ones that properly crimp or solder onto the battery cables for your Packard.

The charger is probably not of the highest quality but will work. I think many will agree that most Harbor Freight merchandise is inexpensive knock offs of good stuff and for a limited or few time use duty. Important thing to remember on electric items like that is where are you going to use it. Will the input mains be correct. Sold here, that one will probably be 110v, 60 cycle. Unless something specifically states input is 110-220, might not work in UK or Aruba without a lot of extra.

I have noticed advertized alot, this battery cut off switch, i have never seen this before, is it often used? or just a gimick thing?

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A battery cut off is a very good idea for older cars. There are good units and cheap ones. Others have more experience with that particular one but again if you are using 6v you need the heaviest duty one you can get and fit. Most have recommended a larger switch type unit such as made by Cole-Herseehttp://www.colehersee.com/catalog_top/index.htm for 6v applications.

They seem to have 3 types, you mean something like this one?

This also a nice looking Solenoid.

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