How many of you have rewound your own mag ring? How many of you would do it again?
I rewound one, but it went into a coil tester. At the time, I said I would never do it again. Yeah, it was cheaper, but not sure it was worth the hassle. And this coming from a diehard do-it-yourselfer. I'm also glad I did not put it in an engine, because after a year or two, my coil tester quit working and I found a place it had shorted to ground. Most definitely a defect in workmanship, but I don't know that I couldn't make the same mistake again, so I'm kinda gun shy. I was also kinda worried that one of the coils might come off the pole piece. Nothing really holds it on but friction and whatever resin you choose to use. I used polyester resin like you use for fiberglass (I assumed this is what they meant by 'boat resin'). I know some use the red stuff they use in electric motors. Either way, how do you know they are on there to stay?
I know Wally and he explained all of what he does to rebuild a coil ring. Just from the explanation, I came to the same conclusion you did. I have better things to spend that time on and he does such a great job.
I did a double-stack back in the late 1970's. Back then I don't think anyone was doing them commercially. It was a lot of work and took most of one whole winter. Since they are available now through the vendors, I recently purchased one. Sure saved a lot of time and effort.
Even though I'm a perfectionist and would probably succeed in doing a good job, correctly, I wouldn't chance it while there are fellows like Wally out there doing it with much more experience than I have, for much less than my time is worth to me. Jim Patrick
Is it better to go directly to a rewinder or purchase a rewound ring from one of the vendors. My ring has a bad coil, and since I'm repairing the transmission now is the time to get er done.
I would go directly to Wally (the winder). He is probably who the suppliers get theirs from and, if you purchase directly from him, you won't have to pay the suppliers' shipping, handling or markup. Jim Patrick
Hal, the last one I reworked for a coil tester had one shorted winding. I was able to unsolder the leads, slip a sharp putty knife around between the coil and frame and then remove the coil assembly. There were a couple folded over end pieces hidden underneath. I cut about 3/8th inch off each one and glued them over the bare shorted area. Then I glued the ring back in place and soldered the coil ends again. It shows no short now and will work fine for a coil tester.
The other problem that I never considered, until I was recently told about it, is that the coils are glued on, but if you get the transmission drums or engine real hot, the glue may melt and release the coil which can then be grabbed by a magnet pole and make a mess of your engine and transmission.
I rewound four 40 Years ago with round wire and they're all still running. It's not a hard job at all. Make the form's, wrap the wire, put them on the ring. I used "PD George" trickling compound for mounting and insulation.
I did a few BUT...
1. Sand both sides of copper ribbon (lightly)
2. Install 3M oil resistant tape on both sides and trim
3. Wind the coil
4. Put a insulating "donut" on both sides of coil as I wrap it with 1/2 inch cotton tape
5. Lay another insulating paper donut over the post
6 Install the coil and solder
7 Coat the entire coil with oil resistant whatever. (I use rubberized material that you can dip plier handles in to insulate them.) Dip and bake with varnish is probably ok too.
It takes a whole bunch more time than a call to Wally.
I have also rewound a few that are still in cars after a lot of years. I have also rewound the mag ring on my 1912 touring. It has a double stack which is twice the fun, but it is still working after some 15 plus years.
This past Chickasha swap meet, I bought two rings from Wally. They look good.
I am very thankful some folks are rewinding the rings for the T hobby. Its well worth it to me to buy one thats already rewound. It saves time and a lot trouble as far as I am concerned. comes.
I am convinced! Could someone post Wally the winders contact information? Thank you in advance!
Wally Szumowski
6146 S. Natchez Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60638
773-586-4485
Thank you Ron!
Regardless of whether you rebuild them yourself, or they are professionally done, the coils are pressed on. Just a tight fit and the "glue you use on them holds them on. I have rebuilt my own and also gotten one from a vendor. all work satisfactorily.
Norm