My Model T is NOT ready for safe touring. Help is needed getting the distributor parts. Looking at the pictures, it has a condenser on the shaft, and appears to have broken spring parts in the distributor body along with a worn through rotor. Once I ID and get parts I am going to but three sets of all parts Also note the distributor cap had no witness? indentations to accurately replace the cap in the same position
David,
How did you get the backwards photos?
An option would be to switch back to the original reliable Ford ignition. You can always find parts for it.
Jim
I flipped the pictures for you. Atwater Kent perhaps? Typically the gears strip out when no one ever lubes them.
Question, Personally I like the original Ford ignition. reason, when I set a number 1 piston to TDC and just after I get a continuous buss spark vs a short spark from a distributor. But for this year, I need to get parts hopefully for this distributor. Later, how hard is it to replace this with a distributor from Model T ranch or other reliable distributor to get it ready for tours this summer.
Without a little better photo, it could be a Thomas.
Kevin
Yep, its a Thomas, green paint and all. I have both clip-on's like yours and a front plate. The clip-on's are pot-metal and almost always in really rough shape. They seem to be pretty well designed, with the point plate adjustable for advance like the Model A Fords.
I have been able to pick up a couple of used so I have a spare cap and rotor.
I was planning on converting it to a Petronix so points won't be an issue.
I called everyone I could looking for a cross for the cap and rotor, but because it was an aftermarket no one had a cross reference.
If anyone has any ideas on locating a cap and rotor, I would be interested as well.
Thanks, hope this helps,
Kevin
David,
I hate to beat this horse while he's down but,
if you "Google" search MTFCA forum Thomas Distributor, you will find numerous threads, including mine looking for help with my front plate style.
Consensus so far, "parts are rare"!!!
Kevin
Kevin Thank you very much for this information. I will Google the Thomas to learn about it.
NOW my question is, "if parts are not available, what are my best options to replace it (the distributor) I do not want to break down on a tour