Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

I'm about to blow my brains out trying to install new spark plug wires on my 47 1-ton. I rebuilt the distributor and thought I might as well install new wires. I've done this process before without this much frustration. Every time I install the cover I lose continuity on at least one of the wires. Fishing the wires through the cover "ears", the rubber grommet, and the tubes is damn-near impossible.
I have a couple theories. 1) these new wires I purchased are larger diameter than the originals? 2) I don't have the patience for this anymore?
My questions are these. Assuming the issue is not the wire diameter, 1) is it possible to use a crab distributor cap on the 59A distributor? 2) Can a 21A distributor be used on this 59A engine?
Thanks.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

i recently bought a kit to build new wires for a crab-style distributor cap on my flathead and ended up throwing it away as the wires would not fit through the rubber connectors that came with the kit.

the problem was that the manufacturers added some fancy plastic faux braided-cloth around their original black rubber insulated wires and then covered that with an additional clear plastic sleeve. and didn't secure either the faux braided-cloth sleeve or the clear plastic sleeve to each other OR the underlying black rubber insulation covering the wire itself; increasing the diameter of the wire enough such that when attempting to slide the wire through the rubber boots, the outer clear plastic sleeve bunched up, even when copious amounts of lubrication was used on the connectors and wire before attempting to slide on the connector.

it was obvious that no one in the company ever even attempted to assemble the wires according to the directions in the box after the changes were made. i assume the factory had machinery that expanded the rubber end connectors for their pre-assembled product and so didn't notice that their clients would have no chance of assembling them by hand according to the directions.

with previous versions, without the new purely superficial sleeves, one could remove the rubber boots at either end, though very tight, numerous times, if necessary, without damaging the wires. with the new ones, the only option was to cut off the end and start over, which of course, if cut to proper length, made them useless.

as i said, i ended throwing the whole mess away. and buying some old-school plain black rubber wires.

if i was using the same wires, or kit, i wouldn't worry about the problem lying with the purchaser of the kit. it's with the manufacturer that didn't care to even take five minutes to test their product after major changes. smh.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

I think they will interchange. Caps should also, however the bales may be different.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

Maybe a call to this fellow could help
Charlie Schwendler

716–622-9159
[email protected]

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

Well, if the V8 is/was running fine, I'd not bother the original setup.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

yes you can use the crab cap...you'll need to buy the appropriate clips and rotor.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

My thoughts exactly hueyhoolihan. You pretty much described what I'm dealing with. I wish I remember where I bought the set that worked years ago.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

Copy that...thanks.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

Thanks. That's what I was thinking as well...about the bale.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

That is what I try to do...keep things as "stock" as I can. I'll make an exception in this case for my own sanity. LOL

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

Thanks duce lover!

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

i eventually bought these, and they served my purposes, which were of a temporary nature. i merely zipped tied the wires away from danger. it's not necessarily an endorsement... ha

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203579087151

Re: Spark Plug Wire Turrets
 

My thought on the '49 up style is the lengths would be different with the post type distributor is mounted to the side. On my last 59ab I bought the bail kit and rotor for the crab cap, skipped the conduits and used raja ends with the faux cloth covered wires. I made some convincing looking seperator stands for the wires. Wouldn't fool any judges, but maintained a decent period look.