The Ford Barn

harleytoprock · 03-29-2015, 06:05 AM

Are any folks running a Model B distributor? I'm thinking of trying it. Any pros or cons? Comments are appreciated. Thank you.

Kurt in NJ · 03-29-2015, 08:47 AM

The model b had a different timing cover because the base timing was different ---

I don't think parts support is as good ---there is a very good condenser for the A that won't burn out ---but it isn't made for the B dist

I have one in my Smiths compresser, I had thought it ideal for that use, over 25 years, now I am changing back to stock A along with a right hand drive intake to give me a handy advance lever (the RHD manifold has a nice lever on the top for advance)

It's not a full range advance, it's about like starting with the lever 1/2 way and going to full advance, there is no compensation for load, it just adjusts for rpm

Jim Brierley · 03-29-2015, 11:04 AM

I ran one years ago, and it ran fine ... but, points are hard to find and after I ran it on a distributor machine I discarded it. The cam was badly worn so firings were not 90* apart and the advance was uncontrollable. Perhaps if it was in good shape they would be OK?

Bob C · 03-29-2015, 11:21 AM

Vince has some good info on his site and Renner's Corner has parts.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributordetails.htm
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributoradvance.htm
http://rennerscorner.com/distributor-rebuilding.html
http://rennerscorner.com/distributor.html

Bob

just plain bill · 03-29-2015, 01:06 PM

Renner's corner has parts as do others. Some cams sold by large distributors are rough but the cams from Renner's seem to be of good quality

62pan · 03-29-2015, 01:11 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have one in my roadster and so far I see no reason to change. It wasn't that hard to set up even with an A timing cover.

Charlie Stephens · 03-29-2015, 02:08 PM

I am running one in my '31 RDPU but it is on a B engine with a B timing cover. Search the archives on how to time using an A timing cover. I would like also to recommend Renner's Corner for parts, rennerscorner.com, (734) 428-8424. If you can't find a high quality Model B condenser it is easy to modify a Model A condenser (be sure to get the high quality Model A condenser). Elongate the mounting hole in the tab and install a short wire from the condenser to the distributor (see picture).

Charlie Stephens

hardtimes · 03-29-2015, 03:57 PM

Hey Charlie,
Thanks for the info/picture !

03-29-2015, 06:05 AM	#1
harleytoprock Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 438	Model B distributor Are any folks running a Model B distributor? I'm thinking of trying it. Any pros or cons? Comments are appreciated. Thank you.

03-29-2015, 08:47 AM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,172	Re: Model B distributor The model b had a different timing cover because the base timing was different --- I don't think parts support is as good ---there is a very good condenser for the A that won't burn out ---but it isn't made for the B dist I have one in my Smiths compresser, I had thought it ideal for that use, over 25 years, now I am changing back to stock A along with a right hand drive intake to give me a handy advance lever (the RHD manifold has a nice lever on the top for advance) It's not a full range advance, it's about like starting with the lever 1/2 way and going to full advance, there is no compensation for load, it just adjusts for rpm

03-29-2015, 11:04 AM	#3
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,107	Re: Model B distributor I ran one years ago, and it ran fine ... but, points are hard to find and after I ran it on a distributor machine I discarded it. The cam was badly worn so firings were not 90* apart and the advance was uncontrollable. Perhaps if it was in good shape they would be OK?

03-29-2015, 11:21 AM	#4
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,791	Re: Model B distributor Vince has some good info on his site and Renner's Corner has parts. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributordetails.htm http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributoradvance.htm http://rennerscorner.com/distributor-rebuilding.html http://rennerscorner.com/distributor.html Bob

03-29-2015, 01:06 PM	#5
just plain bill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 397	Re: Model B distributor Renner's corner has parts as do others. Some cams sold by large distributors are rough but the cams from Renner's seem to be of good quality

03-29-2015, 01:11 PM	#6
62pan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Middletown Pa Posts: 392	Re: Model B distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have one in my roadster and so far I see no reason to change. It wasn't that hard to set up even with an A timing cover.

03-29-2015, 03:57 PM	#8
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,188	Re: Model B distributor Hey Charlie, Thanks for the info/picture !