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

Does anyone know the difference between the 1953 heater blower switch and the earlier (1951-52) switches? The parts book shows two different numbers. Are they interchangeable? Thanks

I believe the difference is toggle and rotary but things are rather gray and ambiguous as to which models got which switch--even in Packard literature. 51-2 was toggle for sure--both in wiring and pictures. 53 wiring diagram and a picture from the photo archive of a 53 senior shows a rotary but the owners manual shows a toggle. 54 wiring shows rotary and Packard models used them including the 5431 chassis-- but Clippers used toggle yet the part number for 5431 and another senior Packard chassis is for the 51-2 toggle.

EDIT: The retaining nut part numbers on all 51-3 switches are the same so in all probability they will interchange -- obviously the rotary needs a knob if trading up. Kev is probably right in thinking that 53 Clippers might also have gotten the toggle.

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In '54 the Clipper are the simple toggle switch (same as a 55/56 TL cut off), and the Seniors used the rotary switch.

Not sure if '53 is the same.

Here is what the '54 Clipper switch looks like:

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Thanks for the input. I've updated my parts book.