I have a 1910 s/n 195xx. I tried to confirm
the correct timer position to establish the timer rod length. The rod now seems to be too long and when I try to bend it, it hits the pan. What am I doing wrong?
Lee
PS Should there be a jam nut on the ball-swivel
end of the rod?

No jam nut on the end. Its trial and error. I got a later one, shortened and threaded it to fit. Steering column end is above the steering rod, not below it. Hard part was the narrow bend at the timer end to enter the timer hole from the rear. Not much room there. In fact the guy I got the car from gave up and routed the rod thru the front of the timer body. Take your time, its worth the effort. Its a better engineered timer IMO, ie the centering of the timer body on the cam nut insures perfect alignment of the rotor and race. My timers work very well, much better than the later rotor style.

Hi Lee, Here is a picture of an original timer rod and ball end. Also here is a picture of the tool to set the timer rod length. The connection point of the timer rod is different on the brass timer. The second hole in the setting tool is the correct for the brass timer, and the first hole is correct for all the rest.

Kim,
Just to be sure, is the 2 and 1/2" distance between the two holes the measurement for the brass timer or the later style?

The 2 and 1/2 is for the later timers.

Kim,thanks for the visuals. My setup is
the duplicate of yours. It appears that, if the rule is not lieing, that the early timer is indexed 3/8" less than the later 2.5" dimension.
I'll get my drill out tomorrow and make the required mod. on my trusty guage. The timing rod now looks like a contorted reptile.
Richard and Kim, thanks for your help.
Lee