The Ford Barn

fordblue · 10-11-2021, 05:07 PM

I'm trying to change points in the '31 for the first time. It has the original style points that come in two pieces. the moving side is on a post with a 5/16" nut on it but it looks like there is also a nut on the bottom side of the distributor plate that turns too if it is not held. Do you have to remove the entire top plate in order to change points? All of the videos and write ups online show the updated, one piece point sets like used in the 50s 60s and 70s that I'm all too familiar with. Any assistance would be appreciated.

old ugly · 10-11-2021, 05:51 PM

the points plate has to come off to do a points change.
-remove the points cam
-remove the timing rod that goes to the colom
-twist the top plate and it will be free from the distributor body
-turn it over, carefull there is a wire on it
-this will give you access to the nut on the post that holds the points
-replace the points and hook up the wire
-reinstall the top plate into the distributor housing.
-install the points cam
-set the point
-set the timing.

fordblue · 10-11-2021, 06:00 PM

Many thanks. I thought that was it but it seemed too complicated for what should be a simple task. No wonder the one piece point assembly was developed.

old ugly · 10-11-2021, 06:00 PM

i have had very little success with modern style points because
most that you buy have a plastic cam follower, not bakelite. the follower is usually riveted on and that place gives a place of high resistance after a while this makes heat and melts the plastic follower.
most will tell you that the system needs some sort of resister as that is what caused this, Wrong, poor quality points construction.
if you have access to good none plastic points the modern point set up is ok, but i have asked a few suppliers and they look at me like i am from Mars so i gave up using and only use the original style now.

stay with the original, properly set up that new set of points will last as long as you own the car.

ou

old ugly · 10-11-2021, 06:05 PM

make sure you put all the little washers back. there is a little insulated washer on the bottom don't forget it.

old ugly · 10-11-2021, 06:15 PM

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J Franklin · 10-11-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordblue

I'm trying to change points in the '31 for the first time. It has the original style points that come in two pieces... Any assistance would be appreciated.

You didn't say what is promoting you to change the points. Some folk just change points because. Points should and usually last until they are gone. Cleaning, adjustment, and the proper coil/condenser relationship keeps them working well. Polish the cam while it is off and lube it properly, that will help slow wear on the ramp block on the points.

fordblue · 10-12-2021, 12:20 PM

They look like they are in bad shape. The gap is wrong and the follower on the points looks worn. I'll know better when I get them off. I also want to look at the cam lobes. They look worn.

Bob C · 10-12-2021, 12:30 PM

If you are using new production point the contacts will probably not line up.
Bratton's sells a points block that will correct this.
https://www.brattons.com/MACHINED-DI...uctinfo/17351/

Kurt in NJ · 10-12-2021, 12:59 PM

I believe that many points are changed just about when the rubbing block is seated to the cam.

10-11-2021, 05:07 PM	#1
fordblue Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 4	changing points in an original style 1931 distributor I'm trying to change points in the '31 for the first time. It has the original style points that come in two pieces. the moving side is on a post with a 5/16" nut on it but it looks like there is also a nut on the bottom side of the distributor plate that turns too if it is not held. Do you have to remove the entire top plate in order to change points? All of the videos and write ups online show the updated, one piece point sets like used in the 50s 60s and 70s that I'm all too familiar with. Any assistance would be appreciated.

10-11-2021, 05:51 PM	#2
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor the points plate has to come off to do a points change. -remove the points cam -remove the timing rod that goes to the colom -twist the top plate and it will be free from the distributor body -turn it over, carefull there is a wire on it -this will give you access to the nut on the post that holds the points -replace the points and hook up the wire -reinstall the top plate into the distributor housing. -install the points cam -set the point -set the timing.

10-11-2021, 06:00 PM	#3
fordblue Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 4	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor Many thanks. I thought that was it but it seemed too complicated for what should be a simple task. No wonder the one piece point assembly was developed.

10-11-2021, 06:00 PM	#4
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor i have had very little success with modern style points because most that you buy have a plastic cam follower, not bakelite. the follower is usually riveted on and that place gives a place of high resistance after a while this makes heat and melts the plastic follower. most will tell you that the system needs some sort of resister as that is what caused this, Wrong, poor quality points construction. if you have access to good none plastic points the modern point set up is ok, but i have asked a few suppliers and they look at me like i am from Mars so i gave up using and only use the original style now. stay with the original, properly set up that new set of points will last as long as you own the car. ou

10-11-2021, 06:05 PM	#5
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor make sure you put all the little washers back. there is a little insulated washer on the bottom don't forget it.

10-11-2021, 06:15 PM	#6
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) thumbnail_IMG_0100.jpg

10-12-2021, 12:20 PM	#8
fordblue Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 4	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor They look like they are in bad shape. The gap is wrong and the follower on the points looks worn. I'll know better when I get them off. I also want to look at the cam lobes. They look worn.

10-12-2021, 12:30 PM	#9
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,748	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor If you are using new production point the contacts will probably not line up. Bratton's sells a points block that will correct this. https://www.brattons.com/MACHINED-DI...uctinfo/17351/

10-12-2021, 12:59 PM	#10
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,158	Re: changing points in an original style 1931 distributor I believe that many points are changed just about when the rubbing block is seated to the cam.