The Ford Barn

lasermangene · 10-23-2010, 06:11 AM

I would like to know if I could use a 2 pice distributor shaft to replace the long one pice that is being used now?

1931 flamingo · 10-23-2010, 07:04 AM

I believe that's what it came with originally. Others will surely chime in if I'm wrong.
Paul in CT

lasermangene · 10-23-2010, 07:09 AM

Thanks flamingo I have heard that but wanted to make sure just getting started on this have replaced the wiring so far again thanks for the info

Tom Wesenberg · 10-23-2010, 08:11 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Yes, for sure you want to use the 2 piece, which is the correct and original style. Check the fit of the blade and notch on the new two piece shafts. I've had to file the notch very slightly to get them to fit together.

I haven't rebuilt a distributor for a couple years, but so far I've never had to drill or ream the bushings. I bought the shaft and bushings from Bratton's and after installing the new bushings I chuck the new shaft in my lathe or drill press and polish it using fine crocus cloth. I then wipe it clean and oil it and still using the lathe or drill press, I run it in and out of the distributor body a few times until it turns easily. I then clean out the housing and shaft with a nylon bottle brush and gasoline.

I then apply Mystik JT-6 High Temp grease in the housing along with some oil. Then install the shaft and finish the rebuild. By burnishing in the new shaft this way I get a very precision fit.

Be sure to use a very fine stranded wire for the lower plate and position the terminal so it won't touch the spring or distributor housing. Marco's website has a good picture showing how the terminal should be positioned.

REMEMBER TO OIL THE DISTRIBUTOR every oil change.

10-23-2010, 06:11 AM	#1
lasermangene Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 9	1931 Ford Tudor I would like to know if I could use a 2 pice distributor shaft to replace the long one pice that is being used now?

10-23-2010, 07:04 AM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,428	Re: 1931 Ford Tudor I believe that's what it came with originally. Others will surely chime in if I'm wrong. Paul in CT

10-23-2010, 07:09 AM	#3
lasermangene Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 9	Re: 1931 Ford Tudor Thanks flamingo I have heard that but wanted to make sure just getting started on this have replaced the wiring so far again thanks for the info

10-23-2010, 08:11 AM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: 1931 Ford Tudor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yes, for sure you want to use the 2 piece, which is the correct and original style. Check the fit of the blade and notch on the new two piece shafts. I've had to file the notch very slightly to get them to fit together. I haven't rebuilt a distributor for a couple years, but so far I've never had to drill or ream the bushings. I bought the shaft and bushings from Bratton's and after installing the new bushings I chuck the new shaft in my lathe or drill press and polish it using fine crocus cloth. I then wipe it clean and oil it and still using the lathe or drill press, I run it in and out of the distributor body a few times until it turns easily. I then clean out the housing and shaft with a nylon bottle brush and gasoline. I then apply Mystik JT-6 High Temp grease in the housing along with some oil. Then install the shaft and finish the rebuild. By burnishing in the new shaft this way I get a very precision fit. Be sure to use a very fine stranded wire for the lower plate and position the terminal so it won't touch the spring or distributor housing. Marco's website has a good picture showing how the terminal should be positioned. REMEMBER TO OIL THE DISTRIBUTOR every oil change.