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Old 11-01-2018, 10:49 AM   #1
1930artdeco
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Default dist. wire-lower plate

Hi All,




One of my winter projects is to build up a stock distributor. My question is the lower plate wire-can it be/should it be-heat shrunk to protect it from shorting against the body? I have not done this yet I am just thinking ahead and planning.


Thanks,


Mike
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Old 11-01-2018, 11:03 AM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Take a look at Vince's site for his solution to the wire problem.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/adistlowerplate.htm


Bob
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Old 11-01-2018, 11:11 AM   #3
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Thanks Bob, that answers my question. Does anyone know what screw size the little screws that hold the lower plate down are?


Mike
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Old 11-01-2018, 12:10 PM   #4
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

From the parts book 8-32x1/4" round head
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Old 11-01-2018, 12:59 PM   #5
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Thanks again Bob.


Mike
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Old 11-01-2018, 10:11 PM   #6
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

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I don't know if there is any hobby shops left but if there is one near you get the silicons covered wires used for R/C car battery packs. Along these lines, https://www.amazon.com/12-Gauge-Sili.../dp/B0070RZXLW
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Old 11-02-2018, 09:49 AM   #7
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

If you use heat shrink over the wire it will be too stiff.

Test lead wire such as used on good, not cheapies, multi meters is nice and flexible and sturdy enough.
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Old 11-02-2018, 10:29 AM   #8
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

The parts houses sell a nice flexible wire for the lower plate.
Bert's, Bratton's, and Snyder's are a few.
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Old 11-02-2018, 01:22 PM   #9
Patrick L.
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Hmm, must be Vince is still mad. He still doesn't post and he always has some good info.
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Old 11-02-2018, 02:21 PM   #10
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

I have a bunch of parts already but I don't remember if I have the covered lower wire or not. I will dig into it after I finish rebuilding my stove clock. Thanks for the replies.


Mike
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Old 11-02-2018, 07:03 PM   #11
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

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Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
Hmm, must be Vince is still mad. He still doesn't post and he always has some good info.
Vince is one of the GOOD guys that were banned last year.
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Old 11-05-2018, 06:49 PM   #12
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Ok I went and looked and my stash of parts and only need the three lower plate screws and the wire. Here is the lower plate I have is it still good to use? I thought they were supposed to be nicely curved not 'bent'.

Mike
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Old 11-06-2018, 02:38 AM   #13
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1930artdeco View Post
Ok I went and looked and my stash of parts and only need the three lower plate screws and the wire. Here is the lower plate I have is it still good to use? I thought they were supposed to be nicely curved not 'bent'.

Mike
Those look good. Here's a picture of mine.
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File Type: jpg Distributor 2.jpg (51.0 KB, 86 views)
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Old 11-06-2018, 06:34 AM   #14
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Can one build a zipper distributor cheaper than the $400+ ones selling on various sights?
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Old 11-06-2018, 10:00 AM   #15
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Thanks Tom,

Just need to find the wire and get a few screws and I will be in business.


Mike
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Old 10-29-2020, 03:59 PM   #16
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

I am working on an old distributor and I installed a new lower plate from Snyders with the longer wire. I need to know if I have mounted the wire to the original upper plate correcctly. The lug held on by the nut seems likely to contact the body if it shifts even a little bit. Should I do something more to insulate it further? See attached photos.
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File Type: jpg Upper 1.jpg (55.6 KB, 81 views)
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Old 10-29-2020, 05:09 PM   #17
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

This is how it should look.
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Old 10-29-2020, 06:57 PM   #18
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

OT, but I superglued that insulating washer to the bus to make installing the condenser easier.
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Old 10-29-2020, 09:49 PM   #19
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigd1101 View Post
Can one build a zipper distributor cheaper than the $400+ ones selling on various sights?
Look at eBay for kits. I can even buy them for my 1920 Dodge. Cost depends on if you get the coil or not.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ition&_sacat=0
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Old 10-29-2020, 11:19 PM   #20
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Default Re: dist. wire-lower plate

Quote:
Originally Posted by katy View Post
If you use heat shrink over the wire it will be too stiff.

Test lead wire such as used on good, not cheapies, multi meters is nice and flexible and sturdy enough.
I have been using the good quality test lead wire for many years on a lot of distributors with very good results. I would not also use shrink tube as I feel the wire should be as flexible as possible.

My opinion,

Chris W.
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