The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 07-31-2011, 07:12 PM

Rebuilding the distributor is easy to do, but try to use as many original parts as possible. I've liked the bushings and shafts I bought from Bratton's in the past. I've never used new points, just the old ones that came in the swap meet distributors I bought, although I do have a set of NOS Ford points in the box for a spare.

To remove the oiler, just insert a straight punch the diameter of the oil hole, then put a screwdriver behind it and twist clockwise to pop it out. If it doesn't come, then lift sideways on the screwdriver to pry it out.

As you can see, I like to lubricate parts to keep rust away and to keep the wear down. The center hole and 3 tabs on the top plate are wear points, so keep them lubricated, but keep the grease and oil off the points contacts. I put a drop of oil on the points pivot post.

I polish the new shaft on my lathe with a fine crocus cloth, then oil the new bushings and spin the shaft into the new bushings to burnish them in. I then remove the shaft and clean everything and reoil the bushings and repolish the shaft and everything fits nice and snug.

Be sure to use the good fine stranded wire between the plates.

I even balance my rotor as you can see in the picture.

07-31-2011, 07:12 PM	#8
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: distributor rebuild Rebuilding the distributor is easy to do, but try to use as many original parts as possible. I've liked the bushings and shafts I bought from Bratton's in the past. I've never used new points, just the old ones that came in the swap meet distributors I bought, although I do have a set of NOS Ford points in the box for a spare. To remove the oiler, just insert a straight punch the diameter of the oil hole, then put a screwdriver behind it and twist clockwise to pop it out. If it doesn't come, then lift sideways on the screwdriver to pry it out. As you can see, I like to lubricate parts to keep rust away and to keep the wear down. The center hole and 3 tabs on the top plate are wear points, so keep them lubricated, but keep the grease and oil off the points contacts. I put a drop of oil on the points pivot post. I polish the new shaft on my lathe with a fine crocus cloth, then oil the new bushings and spin the shaft into the new bushings to burnish them in. I then remove the shaft and clean everything and reoil the bushings and repolish the shaft and everything fits nice and snug. Be sure to use the good fine stranded wire between the plates. I even balance my rotor as you can see in the picture.