The Ford Barn

Robert · 07-20-2011, 07:20 AM

Besides converting many Model A distributors to use Ford V8 points/condensers, I have fabricated parts to allow both Lucas and Marelli distributors to use "modern" points/condenser combinations. I have not noticed much improvement in venicle performance from any of these conversions. However, the peace of mind that has come with knowing that I can buy replacement parts on most any street corner has improved my attitude toward driving the cars that are equiped with these modifications.

Kevin in NJ · 07-20-2011, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

If original Model A points were the best, Ford would have used them up until the electronic ignition era!!
Quality brand hollow contact points have been in a friends Model A for 9 years, with only 2 gap adjustments!!

My brothers car has had the same original type points for 40 years.

Which brings me to the facts.

A properly rebuilt distributor with quality parts should out last the grand children.

NOTICE I did not say what type of points or condenser.

Same amount of work to make it original or modern.

Use whatever logic makes you happy to justify your choice.
Please just do it right and have just one less thing to worry about.
The A done right is a fun, minimal maintenance driving machine.

Special Coupe Frank · 07-20-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

That's the applied voltage to build up the magnetic field, but when the points open the rapidly collapsing field induces a much higher voltage into the primary winding, as well as the secondary winding.

Ah.... didn't think about that - thanks Tom !

Special Coupe Frank · 07-20-2011, 07:43 AM

I always used to keep a spare set of points & condenser in the glove-box... I often find extra sets there when I get a "new" car...

In this day and age, I wouldn't necessarily count on being able to find ANY points at just any corner store or strip-mall...

I have noticed with contact sets of recent manufacture (installed in "modern" vehicles, such as a 1960 Chrysler and a 1972 Chevy pick-up (six cylinder), that the rubbing-blocks seem to wear-down faster, even with a dab of cam-lube or vaseline on them...

Back when I was a kid, one of my Uncles use to swear by Sorensen points - one of the contacts had two deep grooves across the face, forming a cross... the claim was this helped keep the contacts cooler...

I don't think I've seen a set of Sorensen ignition parts in at least 40 years...

Will N · 07-20-2011, 07:53 AM

Consider this- you're on tour with a bunch of Model As. Your modern points go south and you don't have a spare. The guy's you're with have twenty spare sets of original points among them, but you're on the flatbed because you went modern.

kenparker · 07-20-2011, 07:56 AM

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I have a set of those "hollow contact points" in 'le coupe. They have been there for 6 years and 16,000 miles. No problems.

MrTube · 07-20-2011, 08:00 AM

I have a spare set of points, condenser and coil in our A under the seat. I would be more worried about the coil failing then modern or original points. Usually if not always points are repairable to get you home. A cooked coil is not and no one sells a 6V coil locally that I know of.

07-20-2011, 07:20 AM	#21
Robert Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 99	Re: Modern points vs original model a points Besides converting many Model A distributors to use Ford V8 points/condensers, I have fabricated parts to allow both Lucas and Marelli distributors to use "modern" points/condenser combinations. I have not noticed much improvement in venicle performance from any of these conversions. However, the peace of mind that has come with knowing that I can buy replacement parts on most any street corner has improved my attitude toward driving the cars that are equiped with these modifications.

07-20-2011, 07:43 AM	#24
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: Modern points vs original model a points I always used to keep a spare set of points & condenser in the glove-box... I often find extra sets there when I get a "new" car... In this day and age, I wouldn't necessarily count on being able to find ANY points at just any corner store or strip-mall... I have noticed with contact sets of recent manufacture (installed in "modern" vehicles, such as a 1960 Chrysler and a 1972 Chevy pick-up (six cylinder), that the rubbing-blocks seem to wear-down faster, even with a dab of cam-lube or vaseline on them... Back when I was a kid, one of my Uncles use to swear by Sorensen points - one of the contacts had two deep grooves across the face, forming a cross... the claim was this helped keep the contacts cooler... I don't think I've seen a set of Sorensen ignition parts in at least 40 years...

07-20-2011, 07:53 AM	#25
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,117	Re: Modern points vs original model a points Consider this- you're on tour with a bunch of Model As. Your modern points go south and you don't have a spare. The guy's you're with have twenty spare sets of original points among them, but you're on the flatbed because you went modern.

07-20-2011, 07:56 AM	#26
kenparker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Van, Texas Posts: 1,122	Re: Modern points vs original model a points Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a set of those "hollow contact points" in 'le coupe. They have been there for 6 years and 16,000 miles. No problems.

07-20-2011, 08:00 AM	#27
MrTube Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,471	Re: Modern points vs original model a points I have a spare set of points, condenser and coil in our A under the seat. I would be more worried about the coil failing then modern or original points. Usually if not always points are repairable to get you home. A cooked coil is not and no one sells a 6V coil locally that I know of.