Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-08-2019, 07:10 AM   #1
caddy600
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Finland
Posts: 5
Default Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Hi Flathead friends,

Does the Mallory Unilite Distributor (3727501 to 49-53 Flathead) fit to my timing gear cover? And does it seem to be original?
Is there room for the extended shaft distributor or should it be used with short one..? I think that cover is cast iron. Does it matter is the distributor body iron or aluminum? I got Offenhauser Super Dual intake and carbs without vacum link. Or is there other distributor options?

My english may be such poor.
Sorry for that..

Best regards,
Juho
Finland
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 3727501_011899.jpg (13.5 KB, 39 views)
File Type: jpg 20190405_144203.jpg (39.8 KB, 56 views)
caddy600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2019, 07:19 AM   #2
Mike51Merc
Senior Member
 
Mike51Merc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northeast Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,582
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

You can cut off the shaft extension and use it in a short-shaft housing.

Technically the shaft should be the same metal as the housing otherwise you risk dissimilar metal corrosion.
Mike51Merc is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-08-2019, 07:32 AM   #3
34PKUP
Senior Member
 
34PKUP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 794
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike51Merc View Post

Technically the shaft should be the same metal as the housing otherwise you risk dissimilar metal corrosion.
The original timing covers with the lower support are made of aluminum and there was never an issue with "dissimilar metal corrosion"
34PKUP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2019, 07:34 AM   #4
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,879
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

If you have a cast iron cover you need to cut the distributor shaft shorter to match the internal fit of the cover. Read all of this thread plus links for great info.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...tributor+cover
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...tributor+cover
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...tributor+cover

Last edited by 19Fordy; 04-08-2019 at 07:42 AM.
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2019, 07:38 AM   #5
51 MERC-CT
Senior Member
 
51 MERC-CT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: East Hartford, Ct
Posts: 5,898
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Bought one of those distributors years ago and seem to recall that the instructions that came with it said to cut off the shaft for use in the alternative timing cover.
__________________
DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES
51 MERC-CT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2019, 02:10 AM   #6
caddy600
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Finland
Posts: 5
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Thank you so much for quick responses and great information! I appreciate!
caddy600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2019, 09:18 AM   #7
Mike51Merc
Senior Member
 
Mike51Merc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northeast Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,582
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by 34PKUP View Post
The original timing covers with the lower support are made of aluminum and there was never an issue with "dissimilar metal corrosion"
In the long run it will likely happen, given the harsh environment of a daily driven car. I agree for most of our limited good-weather driving it would probably not be a problem.
Mike51Merc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2019, 10:25 AM   #8
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,260
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

You might want to look for an aluminum front cover. I've always been able to find one when I needed one for a reasonable price. Things might be different now. eBay is your friend, as well as the "Swap Meet" sections here and on the "H.A.M.B.". There are also individuals around that have been helpful to me "Tony Marino" has been one.
tubman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2019, 01:01 PM   #9
BUBBAS IGNITION
Senior Member
 
BUBBAS IGNITION's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA
Posts: 4,148
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Ebay is yer pal:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...overr&_sacat=0
__________________
If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!!
www.bubbasignition.com
[email protected]
BUBBAS IGNITION is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2019, 11:04 AM   #10
Mike in AZ
Senior Member
 
Mike in AZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Waddell, AZ
Posts: 2,540
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Welcome to the ‘Barn. Got pics of your car/truck? Or whatever the engine is in? We love pics. Mike
Mike in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2019, 02:57 PM   #11
caddy600
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Finland
Posts: 5
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
You might want to look for an aluminum front cover. I've always been able to find one when I needed one for a reasonable price. Things might be different now. eBay is your friend, as well as the "Swap Meet" sections here and on the "H.A.M.B.". There are also individuals around that have been helpful to me "Tony Marino" has been one.
I´ve been thinking that option too. Not bad idea at all.
caddy600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2019, 03:05 PM   #12
caddy600
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Finland
Posts: 5
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike in AZ View Post
Welcome to the ‘Barn. Got pics of your car/truck? Or whatever the engine is in? We love pics. Mike
Thank You so much! It`s good to be here.
Here comes some pics from summer 2017 (w/ fenders),
summer 2018 (w/o fenders) and one photo at the moment.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Ford1.jpg (46.3 KB, 64 views)
File Type: jpg Ford3.jpg (85.9 KB, 58 views)
File Type: jpg Ford2.jpg (61.7 KB, 62 views)
File Type: jpg Ford4.jpg (40.0 KB, 72 views)
caddy600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2019, 05:24 PM   #13
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Great looking car!
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 11:52 AM   #14
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,879
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

The Mallory distributor and cap has a smaller dia. than the stock Ford or merc. The caps, rotor and internal metal parts are not interchangeable.

As for which dist. is best lots of folks like the Chevy conversion that Bubba's makes.

I used a Mallory electronic Unilite with mechanical advance for several years. It fits both Ford and Merc timing covers depending on if you cut the shaft shorter.

Recently I have been having lots of trouble with my Mallory Unilite as the modules fail very easily and are expensive to replace. I am now looking into installing a Pertronix unit. It's cheaper. Pertronix makes kits to fit both your mallory and your stock Ford distributor. All you have to do is install the new Pertronix breaker plate and coil.

Very easy to install. Be sure to contact Pertronix directly so they can tell you what will work best for your situation.

It's too bad that the high quality condensers and points of years ago are not available as the old dual points conversion was dependable.

Last edited by 19Fordy; 02-10-2020 at 10:31 AM.
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 01:18 PM   #15
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,260
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

"19Fordy" - "Not available" is a little strong. Points are available, although they're about $25 a set. The condensers are also around, although harder to find, and more of a crap shoot as, unlike points, they can deteriorate over time. This is why I am making replacements.
tubman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 01:41 PM   #16
V8 Bob
Senior Member
 
V8 Bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Granger (Northern) Indiana
Posts: 1,517
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by 34PKUP View Post
The original timing covers with the lower support are made of aluminum and there was never an issue with "dissimilar metal corrosion"

The factory long shaft distributors used with the aluminum lower-supported timing covers have aluminum housings.
V8 Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 02:46 PM   #17
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,879
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
"19Fordy" - "Not available" is a little strong. Points are available, although they're about $25 a set. The condensers are also around, although harder to find, and more of a crap shoot as, unlike points, they can deteriorate over time. This is why I am making replacements.
tubman: Thanks for pointing out my "strength". $25 per set is fine as long as they are USA made. Didn't know you were making condensers. That's great. Hope they sell like hot cakes.
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 03:10 PM   #18
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,260
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

They are on eBay, original Mallory in the original packaging. Things don't change much in the "points world", and points for some model older Mallory's are still available from Summit and Jeg's for less. Since you are unaware of my condensers, I will indulge in a little shameless self-promotion and post a couple of pictures for your approval.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Condenser1.jpg (32.6 KB, 104 views)
File Type: jpg Condenser2.jpg (64.2 KB, 22 views)
tubman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 03:28 PM   #19
19Fordy
Senior Member
 
19Fordy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Coral Springs FL
Posts: 10,879
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

Thank you. I am glad you posted the photos.
Wiil your condensers also work on a dual point Mallory 53 Ford distributor with mechanical advance?

Also, do you know if it's possible to run a stock 53 Ford vacuum advance distributor using a 390 Holley carb. ? I think the vacuum port on the Holley is not below the throttle plates so it won't work but, I'm not sure.
Thanks.

I just found this video after posting my question. Think it will work on a 53 Ford flathead?
https://www.google.com/search?q=vacu...6KtQWd3L6wBg27
19Fordy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2020, 04:10 PM   #20
tubman
Senior Member
 
tubman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,260
Default Re: Distributor to 1951 255 8BA

I have been running these condensers on all of my Mallory flattops, including the one in the '51 Mercury I have in my '51 club coupe. That particular one is my first practical prototype and has been in there for over 3 years and hasn't skipped a beat.

Conventional wisdom says that a Holley 390 won't work with a Load-a-Matic, since it doesn't have the proper vacuum port. It will run, but that's about it. The only experience I have with a 390 Holley on a flathead was an engine that had an MSD "Ready to Run" distributor, so I cannot be absolutely sure. However, I think dozens of Ford Barn Members can't be wrong.

When I followed the link you supplied, it was kind of confusing, because it went to a choice on 3 videos. I believe the one you are referencing is the one about "Ported vs. Manifold vacuum". Even that one is of no use, because Load-a-Matics use "Venturi vacuum" which is still another source. "Ported vacuum" started to be used in the sixties as an emissions measure in place of "Manifold vacuum" I am somewhat familiar with it from my adventures in the Corvette world. Converting from "Ported vacuum" to "Manifold vacuum" can result in increased performance (at the cost of emissions). It has nothing to do with Load-a-matics. If I have read you wrong on this, let me know.
tubman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:05 AM.