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

Has anyone got a source for the over drive kick down switch for a '41 110 deluxe (Woody wagon).
Even a pic of one would be helpfull

Rod. activeengr@aol.com

Max Merritthttp://www.maxmerrittauto.com/ has the two terminal R9 version. If the car is one that had the R11 OD added or R9 changed out to the R11, then it needs a 4 terminal which he also has.

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Don't know if these will help but here are some pic's, taken a few years ago, of the OD kick down switch in my '41 120.

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First things first, assuming you haven't already: Did you squirt copious amounts of tuner clean in it, make sure it oozes in there, then work it, check it with a volt/ohmeter?
Certain all the connections are tight, check all wires for continuity, make certain you don't have, assuming your wiring's as it left East Grand 70+ years ago, a rusted/corroded connection/ground?

When/if you had your interior redone, did the upholstery shop lay down thicker underpadding/heavier carpet? Have you recently adjusted or rebuilt any worn
accelerator/carburetor linkage? Just covering all the bases before you replace your kickdown switch. It's not like they got a lotta use, as switches go.

I assumed my kickdown switch stopped working, when a veteran Packard friend reminded me you have to really mash the accelerator to the floor. I hopped in, took it down the road, and it kicked down as Packard and the Great Spirit intended.

Once in a blue moon, if i have need to gear down, as with a traffic slow down on sustained grade, i downshift into second gear overdrive. I never liked that momentary
flooring of the gas pedal. Am i the only one?

Chrysler, in 1940 and/or '41,
had a kickdown button at the end of the column shift lever.

A fellow who drove a '41 Packard Darrin back in the '50s
told me he installed a doorbell button on or under his dash so he could kickdown without flooring the accelerator.

If you really need to replace it, call Steve Messenger at Just Packards, Napa, CA 1 (707) 254-2046. Tell him a black '47 Super Clipper in Walnut Creek sent you.

I agree with Mike that it is not really good on the drive train to apply Herculean pressure to the throttle in order to regain Direct Third or Second. I have installed a dash switch on my R6 o/d fitted cars, but would recommend that a change to Second Overdrive as Mike suggested, ( slightly lower gearing than Direct Third) would return your engine braking or acceleration to city or very hilly mode. I have managed to obtain first overdrive but it was of no practical use so I did it only once....I swear... (in 1974).

Thanks to all of you. This has been a big help and problem solved.

Rod