Here's a set of NOS 1/2 inch pipe thread Firestone plugs that fit the Model T Ford. I think these are from the Late 1950's and not of true Model T vintage. If someone could shed some light on the back round of these please feel free to inform us.
I don't know of a car more modren than a T that used pipe threads, so I think they're T era. I have a used one.
rdr
I have a set of these in the box also and several sets for Model A and B Fords.
I keep them in a lead lined show case (RADIOACTIVE you know LOL!)
They are cool to look at I think some hit and miss engines used a 1/2 pipe plug too.
Seems to me, that the half life of the polonium is so short, that even when new, the plugs were already not radioactive when delivered.
Here we go, knew I'd read this somewhere.
http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/consumer%20products/sparkplugs.htm
I've got a set also and always assumed they we're from the T years. I did a google search and it appears they were manufactured in the 40's or 50's. Below was a exerpt from Wikipedia.
"At one point, Firestone marketed plugs with polonium in the tip, under the questionable theory that the radioactivity would ionize the air in the gap, easing spark formation. (See external link below)"
Jay,
I have a full box of the Polonium Plugs I bought a couple of years ago #M40. Don't know what they fit but great conversation pieces.
A few years ago wasn't there a Russian agent poisoned with polonium?
Floyd
Hi All
Well this was an easy one, thanks to Christopher’s article.
Inventor: Alfred M. Hubbard – Seattle, Washington
Assignee: Radium Spark Plug Corporation
Internal Combustion Engine Spark Plug.
Patent number: 1723422
Filing date: Feb 11, 1924
Issue date: Aug 6, 1929
http://tinyurl.com/y5sv2sx
http://preview.tinyurl.com/y5sv2sx
This patent claims “an improved” version, and includes much more detail.
Inventor: John H. Dillon – Akron. Ohio
Assignee: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
Spark Plug and Method of Making Same.
Patent number: 2254169
Filing date: Dec 29, 1939
Issue date: Aug 26, 1941
http://tinyurl.com/y4du3ue
http://preview.tinyurl.com/y4du3ue
From - Popular Mechanics May 1940
Regards
Art