The Ford Barn

carol ann · 07-30-2022, 10:36 AM

I would like to replace the spark plug wires in my 40 ford sedan deluxe. It is still 6 volt positive ground, has a 59AB motor with crab type distributor and newly replaced champion H-12 plugs. I have no clue what wires to use and would appreciate a recommendation from the experts. Many thanks.

tubman · 07-30-2022, 11:20 AM

Does the car have a working radio?

carol ann · 07-30-2022, 12:36 PM

No there is no radio

V8COOPMAN · 07-30-2022, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol ann

No there is no radio

If NO radio, then "Packard 440" wire for sure!

Coop

tubman · 07-30-2022, 02:12 PM

"Coop" - Will the Packard 440 wires fit through the stock looms? How true to original does the O/P want to be? I like Packard 440 and Rajah ends, but they sure aren't right on a properly restored vehicle.

I guess the O/P needs to clarify their original question. Are you willing to settle for a serviceable replacement or do you need to be "Concourse Correct"?

V8COOPMAN · 07-30-2022, 04:59 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

"Coop" - Will the Packard 440 wires fit through the stock looms? How true to original does the O/P want to be? I like Packard 440 and Rajah ends, but they sure aren't right on a properly restored vehicle.

I guess the O/P needs to clarify their original question. Are you willing to settle for a serviceable replacement or do you need to be "Concourse Correct"?

Black Packard 440 measures 7mm, and I believe the stock Ford flathead wires are also 7mm. The Packard wires MAY be harder to pull because of their RUBBER-LIKE finish, which may not slide very easily.

Coop

.

aussie merc · 07-30-2022, 09:55 PM

stock coil ? and no radio depends if you want concorse look or not there's lots out there to choose from but stock ignitions arnt Known for high output [its adequate and works well ] but its not 40K +

ford38v8 · 07-30-2022, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Black Packard 440 measures 7mm, and I believe the stock Ford flathead wires are also 7mm. The Packard wires MAY be harder to pull because of their RUBBER-LIKE finish, which may not slide very easily.

Coop

.

The Packard 440 rubber insulated wire will pull slicker than snot if lubricated with silicone, which will afford a substantial side benefit of preserving the rubber.

Pete · 07-30-2022, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford38v8

The Packard 440 rubber insulated wire will pull slicker than snot if lubricated with silicone, which will afford a substantial side benefit of preserving the rubber.

You type faster than I do...lol

ford38v8 · 07-30-2022, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol ann

I would like to replace the spark plug wires in my 40 ford sedan deluxe. It is still 6 volt positive ground, has a 59AB motor with crab type distributor and newly replaced champion H-12 plugs. I have no clue what wires to use and would appreciate a recommendation from the experts. Many thanks.

Champion H10 plugs were original equipment. Champion H10C plugs are available today from hardware stores, sold for use in lawnmowers.

ford38v8 · 07-30-2022, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

You type faster than I do...lol

That happens to me all the time!

Tinker · 07-31-2022, 01:11 AM

If you have a stock car. Make sure they are copper. I'm not sure how much snot you like.

Robert/Texas · 07-31-2022, 07:21 AM

I really like the set I bought for my '34 about a year and a half ago from Third Gen. They look good and fit perfectly and the engine runs great with them.

Kube · 07-31-2022, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

"Coop" - Will the Packard 440 wires fit through the stock looms? How true to original does the O/P want to be? I like Packard 440 and Rajah ends, but they sure aren't right on a properly restored vehicle.

I guess the O/P needs to clarify their original question. Are you willing to settle for a serviceable replacement or do you need to be "Concourse Correct"?

With the 59ab, the "concourse correct" can't a concern.

fortyonerag · 07-31-2022, 08:09 AM

Waa-aay back when I was green and simple I pulled wires on aeroplanes. We used to use talcum powder to lube wires.
Not sure what'd be better for plug wires tho'.

carol ann · 07-31-2022, 08:31 AM

I appreciate this informative "discussion". I currently have what the previous owner installed and they appear to be "concourse correct" with cotton-braided plug wires and rajah terminals. I'm looking for best function over correctness as i would like to use this car as a daily driver for short trips. The rajah terminals with exposed metal concern me as i have gotten a hefty shock from them and the car runs a bit rough. I've not done the night time water spray test to see if there is any arcing. I've searched for the packard 440 set on line and I was able to find the DIY kits. does anyone know if they come pre-assembled with the right angle spark plug boot. thanks in advance.

Robert/Texas · 07-31-2022, 08:32 AM

I used silicone spray to get them through the looms. It made that part of the job easy.

tubman · 07-31-2022, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

With the 59ab, the "concourse correct" can't a concern.

Right. I should have said "era correct".

carol ann · 07-31-2022, 12:45 PM

No problem Tubman....I thought i was learning a new restoration term.

thanks for clarifying.

B-O-B · 07-31-2022, 01:13 PM

I made my own. Purchased all my parts from The Brillman Company. Good people to deal with. They also carry electrical pieces for tractors.

07-30-2022, 10:36 AM	#1
carol ann Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Port washington, new york Posts: 33	what spark plug wire brand/set is best? I would like to replace the spark plug wires in my 40 ford sedan deluxe. It is still 6 volt positive ground, has a 59AB motor with crab type distributor and newly replaced champion H-12 plugs. I have no clue what wires to use and would appreciate a recommendation from the experts. Many thanks.

07-30-2022, 11:20 AM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,140	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? Does the car have a working radio?

07-30-2022, 12:36 PM	#3
carol ann Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Port washington, new york Posts: 33	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? No there is no radio

07-30-2022, 02:12 PM	#5
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,140	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? "Coop" - Will the Packard 440 wires fit through the stock looms? How true to original does the O/P want to be? I like Packard 440 and Rajah ends, but they sure aren't right on a properly restored vehicle. I guess the O/P needs to clarify their original question. Are you willing to settle for a serviceable replacement or do you need to be "Concourse Correct"?

07-30-2022, 09:55 PM	#7
aussie merc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: sydney australia Posts: 1,156	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? stock coil ? and no radio depends if you want concorse look or not there's lots out there to choose from but stock ignitions arnt Known for high output [its adequate and works well ] but its not 40K +

07-31-2022, 01:11 AM	#12
Tinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MN Posts: 7,063	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? If you have a stock car. Make sure they are copper. I'm not sure how much snot you like.

07-31-2022, 07:21 AM	#13
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 770	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? I really like the set I bought for my '34 about a year and a half ago from Third Gen. They look good and fit perfectly and the engine runs great with them.

07-31-2022, 08:09 AM	#15
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 636	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? Waa-aay back when I was green and simple I pulled wires on aeroplanes. We used to use talcum powder to lube wires. Not sure what'd be better for plug wires tho'.

07-31-2022, 08:31 AM	#16
carol ann Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Port washington, new york Posts: 33	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? I appreciate this informative "discussion". I currently have what the previous owner installed and they appear to be "concourse correct" with cotton-braided plug wires and rajah terminals. I'm looking for best function over correctness as i would like to use this car as a daily driver for short trips. The rajah terminals with exposed metal concern me as i have gotten a hefty shock from them and the car runs a bit rough. I've not done the night time water spray test to see if there is any arcing. I've searched for the packard 440 set on line and I was able to find the DIY kits. does anyone know if they come pre-assembled with the right angle spark plug boot. thanks in advance.

07-31-2022, 08:32 AM	#17
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 770	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? I used silicone spray to get them through the looms. It made that part of the job easy.

07-31-2022, 12:45 PM	#19
carol ann Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Port washington, new york Posts: 33	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? No problem Tubman....I thought i was learning a new restoration term. thanks for clarifying.

07-31-2022, 01:13 PM	#20
B-O-B Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft Mohave,Az Posts: 2,011	Re: what spark plug wire brand/set is best? I made my own. Purchased all my parts from The Brillman Company. Good people to deal with. They also carry electrical pieces for tractors.