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

Hello Packard Sleuths!
Getting ready to replace wiring harness on my 1954 Panama Super Clipper, but, there is a switch on the left side of the dash that I have no idea what it's function is. It does not show up one the owners manual and I'm stumped!

Thanks for your help!

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  mystery switch.jpg (2,929.35 KB)

IIRC that's to raise and lower the power antenna.

Wow, problem is, the antenna is manual. Is a power antenna a stock item, and is there a replacement available?

The electric antenna was optional but the switch could also be for a rear seat speaker which would have also been located in that left side area. Packard provided suggestions on where option switch positions were to be located https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/mod ... photo.php?lid=6467&cid=99 but if a customer wanted different or if there was only a single option involved not all dealers followed the recommendations.

I cannot tell from the photo if there is a slight 1/8" or a bit larger gap between the knob end and bezel nut but if so and if the knob pushes and pulls, it was for an antenna. If no gap and it only rotates it could be for a rear seat speaker. It could also be a true mystery switch for something aftermarket that might have been installed and removed by a previous owner.

The rear speaker fader was in that area but interesting that your knob does not match the others. Maybe someone added it as it does appear to be in a similar place as the power antenna switch. If it rotates but does not push of pull, then it definitely not an antenna switch!

Where that knob is positioned is for power antenna. Below it would be for the rear speaker. At least that's how they are on my Panama, and mine are factory.

My guess is that the car originally had a power antenna that failed. A previous owner probably removed it and tried to replace it with a non-Packard one (hence the knob) then gave up and put in a manual antenna.

-Kevin

I believe that is a 51-2 knob and it is possible a former owner bought the setup at a swap meet and installed it in the 54 for whatever it does or was going to be be used for.