Service Manual or Shop Manual

[cooter9]

I have a 46-50 Service manual that came with my 49 8 but it is not really all that helpful to a novice like me in some instances. Not much illustration and it explains things to an experiencd Serviceman. Are there specific more illustrated shop manuals for my year? (49)

[Guest CaptainBristol]

Cooter--

I am with you 100% on this one. Shortly after I got my 23rd Series Packard I became aware that many of its presumably-uncomplicated systems were not only beyond my automotive skills but also beyond the skills of many professional mechanics. That is, fewer and fewer of today's mechanics have any experience with things like contact points and centrifugal governor advances.

The standard Packard shop manual was written when the car was new and, like all shop manuals, assumes the user has a fair amount of car repair experience. This presents a huge challenge to people who, like me, are as dumb as a hoe handle. But it also means that even smart, younger, mechanics will have a hard time figuring out how to fix my car. Because my intent is to keep the car in good running condition and eventually to pass it on to some younger fellow who will also want to preserve and drive it, I have been on the lookout for literature that will make it easier for future mechanics and owners to keep the car running.

This is a long way of getting around to an answer to your question. Try to find Packard Serviceman's Training Booklets, published by the Service Training Program of the Packard Parts and Service Department. These booklets appear to be aimed at recent high school graduates of the '40s and '50s who may have taken an auto shop class while in school. The illustrations and text are so simple that even I can understand most of it. I have so far been able to find four of these booklets and am on the lookout for more. My four booklets are: Front Suspension and Steering, Transmission and Overdrive, Clutch and Electromatic Clutch, and Ignition System. I have attached a photo of them, so you can get an idea of what they look like.

Hope this helps!

All the best,

Mark in Alaska

[cooter9]

Wow! that is exactly what I need! Can anyone give me info on how and where to get these? Please psot the info or send me a personal message. Many thanks!