Distributor

[captndan]

The 'modern' upper and lower distributor plates. Is this mod a good idea? I like the idea of long lasting points. After more reading it seems that the modern style upper and lowed plates are a good idea. However the problem is finding good quality points and condenser. So the consensus it to stick with the original points. Does this sound reasonable?

[wmws]

Although I have the "modern" setup in my car and have had good luck with it, I don't think it is any better than an original if you have the proper thin strand wire connection. Original points will last a long time and are much easier to adjust.

[dennis lumbert]

The short answer is no.Most seem to feel that an original style lower plate with a more flexible replacement wire and original style upper plate with original style points and short proof condenser are more reliable .If you do a search on modern upper or lower distributor plates you will find much has been discussed on this.Welcome to the Ford Barn,
Dennis

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by dennis lumbert

The short answer is no.Most seem to feel that an original style lower plate with a more flexible replacement wire and original style upper plate with original style points and short proof condenser are more reliable .If you do a search on modern upper or lower distributor plates you will find much has been discussed on this.Welcome to the Ford Barn,
Dennis

X 2

Newer is not always better. A search on this forum will reveal quite a few threads on the subject.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by captndan

I like the idea of long lasting points.

I have about 15,000 miles on my original set, how much longer do you want to go?

[CWPASADENA]

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Original points with original upper and lower plates with the correct flexible wire is very reliable HOWEVER most of the currently available new "original style" points come from China and for the most part they have very little tungsten and will easily burn and not conduct electricity when closed. Also, the rubbing blocks often are soft and will wear quickly closing the gap.

New style points with a correct flexible wire and original style lower plate will also work very well and be reliable but if the points are made in China, they will suffer the same problem as the original style points made in China. HOWEVER, good quality "new" style points are available as a replacement part from Ford and also from other name brand replacement part suppliers.

One draw back with the "Modern" points is they are more difficult to get the gap absolutely correct. It can be done with a little patience and perseverance but the original style points are easier to adjust.

If I have my choice, I like to use original style upper and lower plates with either NOS or "New OLD replacement stock" points. Often you will see on EBay, NORS points in the old boxes. Even though these parts were made more than are 50 years ago, they are still good and have good thick tungsten.

My second choice would be to use good quality modern points and an original style lower plate with the correct flexible wire.

Always use a new condenser of the best quality you can find. The old condensers with age will break down internally and short out.

Again, watch for poor quality points from China. I have had to deal with several cars in our club that just recently had the points replaced and ran fine for a while and then just suddenly would quit or would not start. I find either the rubbing block worn down and the points closed up or the points were burnt.

Good quality points of either type will last many thousands of miles. Just check the adjustment every year or so and put a little cam lube on the distributor cam at the same time.

My opinion and my experience.

Chris W.

[Kevin in NJ]

No, it is just a way to get more money from you!!

Good original is the way to go. Done right you are not going to have any problems for decades. In fact, a quality set of used points from an old dist will last decades too.

The key area first is to know the center hole of the upper plate is a snug fit to the bushing area on the dist body. The new stuff is not always best made here, Ford was precision fit when new. I happened to find a NOS upper plate and then tried it on 5 or so dist bodies. Using a dial indicator I found one dist body where had like .002" of play. I think one was as high as .008" Keep in mind this it important as the plate moves the gap will change and effectively change the timing, see the article in the latest Restorer for an idea of how much it causes problem.

I believe the Ford original stuff was ground to fit. I am pretty sure the new stuff is not!.

Keep in mind that 'vapor lock' you read about is likely a pile of small problems that can add up to a big problem. Ford built most of the A engine to VERY tight tolerances and a lot of guys do not understand rebuilding the A is best approached like you are building a race car engine.

I can tell you that a properly rebuilt dist will likely outlast your grand children using the car with little problem. You should only expect to properly oil it (see the owner manual) and keep the points properly set. I would suggest you seek out a NOS shaft, Ford ground them perfect, A Stipe made cam or a perfect original B cam, match a good original plate to a tight body and keep to the original points. Also get the A&L condenser. That should make you a bullit proof dist .

I personally sought out a NOS cam, I have NOS shafts, a NOS upper plate, super fine high strand count wire silicon insultated, a NOS B cam shaft. That is part of the heart of the engine. It needs to be right. I am cheap, but I will buy what I know will give me a car that runs close to factory.

[captndan]

Sounds right to me. Thanks

[Bob Bidonde]

Original type Model A points have a proven track record over 80 plus years. No modern points can equal that track record, and there is no proof that modern points are better. The only advantage to modern points was / is cost.

[Al 29Tudor]

When I first bought my "A" I replaced the distributor with a modern one.
I now wish I had the original style. In time I will find an original and put it back the way it was.
Live and learn!
Al

[KGBnut]

I run original style points. Personally, I have found that I like the points from NAPA. Points are one of the few parts that NAPA still stocks for the Model A.

I seem to think that I've heard that the condensers from A&L are the most reliable, but I don't have any experience with them.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Al 29Tudor

When I first bought my "A" I replaced the distributor with a modern one.
I now wish I had the original style. In time I will find an original and put it back the way it was.
Live and learn!
Al

Originals are plentiful, cheap, and easy to rebuild. Go for it!