MTFCA Forum

I am looking for a Bosch front plate. It does not have to have the original distributor. I would also consider an Atwater Kent plate.
Thank you,
Fred

what does the Atwater Kent plate look like?

ModelT46 wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:15 pm

what does the Atwater Kent plate look like?

Good description https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/8 ... 1544454327

There was one on eBay a few days ago -https://www.ebay.com/itm/266737873284?i ... R9CLipbQYw

The one shown is for a non-generator block, but A-K also made them for later generator blocks as well.

Thank you for the link, however I am looking for a setup for a generator block. I saved pictures of the eBay setup for reference.

One of the negatives of the AK front plate is that the distributor can't be removed without removing the entire front plate. It also has no adjustment to control camshaft end play, as the Bosch unit does. The AK points are very unique and harder to find than the Bosch points. Same with caps & rotors. Doesn't mean you can't replace the AK distributor head with something more common however.

As Dan states, generator type AK units were made but for some reason, 90% of the AK units I've seen are for non-generator engines. I have an AK front plate where someone has neatly brazed on an added piece to make it into a generator type unit!

I have a generator AK front plate that has a type RA head on it that has both manual and automatic advance. That head was used more on non ford 4cyl cars. As Jerry said parts are harder to come by, but Tom VanMeteren has some parts especially for the more common model T manual only heads. I was able to get a spare cap, points and rotor from him. I have not mounted my unit it is for a future speedster build but it does throw a good spark. The model T manual only heads use a smaller diameter cap and different points. Capacitors have usually been replaced with external units. I'll try to get you some pictures.

Jim

I appreciate all the information shared. Jim, did you get a chance to take pictures of your generator type front plate?
Anyone have a generator type front plate they are willing to part with?

Fred finally dug out yhr AK front plate. Here are the pics. I can email them to you also if you wish.

Jim

picture of the front

Thank you for the pictures, I have downloaded and saved copies of them. Comparing the generator type and non generator type I now realize I should narrow my search to front plate units that allow manual spark advance. The non generator unit near the top of this thread looks to be automatic advance only, while the unit just posted has provision for the spark lever to be used.
Thanks again,
Fred

Fred, the manual/automatic advance has to do with the head used. The non generator unit pictured has the advance operated by a cable from the dash. T units use a bell crank to the control rod. I believe Mark Chaffin still manufactures nice repo Bosch units at a reasonable price. As pointed out in earlier posts, replacement parts for the AK units can be hard to find.

Jim