Oldtimelampshop Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Hi. Just got a 48 super Conv. And while studying online pictures of others, I noticed that Packard used two different Dash designs? Some have stainless trim in center and a painted glovebox door on pass side, and others have all stainless trim over dash on both sides of radio covering dash face. Is there an option, or name, or particular thing associated with one or the other? Any relation to month built like early or late car?im curious. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 (edited) It's a model difference. The dash with the chrome grill on the glovebox door is a Custom. Only the 22nd Series Customs had this extended chrome. While we're on the subject... the closed cars had a woodgrained dash while the convertible dash was painted. Edited July 29, 2014 by JD in KC Additional info (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 I have a super, I believe. It's all original and has the all chrome dash. Could it have been ordered this way?Car is currently unrestored with original paint, interior, etc. never messed with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 (edited) What is the vehicle number on your data plate? Some photos of your car would be very helpful. The Super Eight Victoria Convertible should have a plain glovebox without the additional chrome. The Custom glovebox door has a significantly different latching mechanism with the key located to the right of the glove box as opposed to a simple latch/key lever located centrally on the glovebox door for non-Customs.Photo Credit: PackardInfo.com Edited July 29, 2014 by JD in KC adding photos from 1948 Data Book (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 Can you give me your email Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 Also it's a 2279 and 327 engine. Built Sept 1947. I see differences between Super and Custom. my car Has one stainless strip at rocker and does not have stainless that wraps around trunk. This and model number makes it a Super? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HH56 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 If you are interested in such things, there is a superb book on the 22-23rd series written by Robert Neal. Covers just about every fact known from conception thru the end of production on the cars. It is available exclusively thru Dwight Heinmuller. http://www.packardparts.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 I second HH56's recommendation on the book by Robert Neal, it's excellent. In the meantime, you can go to PackardInfo.com and download the Salesman's Factbook, Owners manual, and Parts manual for the car from the 'Packard Literature and Manuals' section. There is a wealth of information there. You can send me an e-mail or PM just by clicking on my name 'JD in KC' over on the left above my avatar. Your 2279 is intriguing. I don't think the Custom style dash was an option that could be ordered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 Thanks. Will check out those items for info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Really interesting! You have a very early model. The instrument buttons with the engraved function identifier were dropped fairly early on. It was discovered that at night the driver had no idea what the different buttons controlled since the engraved identifier wasn't visible in the dark. Packard first came out with a light bar accessory that illuminated the buttons and then followed that up with a panel of rear illuminated labels above the buttons that was used through the 23rd series. The ventilator knobs that function sideways are another indicator of an early model. It seems highly unlikely that in 1948 Packard would produce a car with a glovebox that can't be locked so... I think somebody added the chrome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 How does each type open? Mine is a pull out at bottom of glovebox. To open it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 The non-Custom glovebox door has a lever style handle with an integral locking system (keyhole in the handle). The Custom glove box door is as you describe but with a locking mechanism located on the right-hand side of the glove box. It appears you have a Custom glove box door in a Super eight dash. I got your PM and will respond as soon as I look up some information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 Okay thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I am curious about the engraved identifier. My 1948 Deluxe Eight has quite a few factory options. One is a left mounted spotlight with an attached rear view mirror. I expected to find a thumb switch on the handle of the light. There isn't one. I do have an engraved switch label Foglight, however there are no bumper mounted foglights. Would that dash switch be the factory switch for the spotlight? The dash switch did not have the same action as the other dash switches. It feels like a blank.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen_Dyneto Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 The dash switch for fog lights was to control fog lights if they were ordered as optional equipment. The installation would have included instaliing the guts of the switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtimelampshop Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 My dash has the foglight button also but bumper not drilled for the lights. I have not looked under if a switch guts are present or not. I don't have a spotlight but I see small holes in the stainless trim on both sides for mirrors. I am missing the mirrors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD in KC Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 When the car did not have the option installed, the switch was not installed either. As a result, the push button won't push in, it's up against a solid bolt instead of a switch plunger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 I figured that was the case with the fog light switch, especially since mine shows no evidence of the lights. I'm just being lazy and trying to discover what turns on the spotlight without sticking my head under the dash. I got busy with work and only opened the door on my garage twice this week.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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