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Old 08-06-2013, 08:01 PM   #1
Harylufa
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Default 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

Dear Friends!!!

I ´d like if someone can explain me, which is the difference between both distributors?
My engine is a Ford 1946 59AB, Which is the correct one?

Thank for your helps.

Hary.
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Old 08-07-2013, 06:32 AM   #2
Terry,OH
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

21A-12127 is the 42-44, 8 cyl. distributor with the flat one piece cap(crab), the distributor has clips to hold the cap in place.
59A- is the 45-48, 8 cyl. distributor with the larger two piece cap, the distributor body has a bail to hold the cap in place.
see page 506 of the green parts book.
There are no major changes in the two distributor body except for the cap mounting. They can be interchanged. Aftermarket suppliers have the mounting clips to change the bail out and replace the two piece cap with the "crab" style one piece.

Last edited by Terry,OH; 08-07-2013 at 06:39 AM.
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Old 08-07-2013, 06:36 AM   #3
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

In other words, there the same dist, just change the caps. Walt
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Old 08-07-2013, 09:24 AM   #4
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry,OH View Post
21A-12127 is the 42-44, 8 cyl. distributor with the flat one piece cap(crab), the distributor has clips to hold the cap in place.
59A- is the 45-48, 8 cyl. distributor with the larger two piece cap, the distributor body has a bail to hold the cap in place.
see page 506 of the green parts book.
There are no major changes in the two distributor body except for the cap mounting. They can be interchanged. Aftermarket suppliers have the mounting clips to change the bail out and replace the two piece cap with the "crab" style one piece.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt Dupont--Me. View Post
In other words, there the same dist, just change the caps. Walt
Hi Terry and Walt!

Ah ok, it is just change the caps. My engine is installed with distributor two piece cap that has bail to hold the cap. I wonder if not being the original one could have some problem with timing.

Terry, which is that book you mention? I have a book that says "Ford V8 service bulletin 1941-1948 complete"

Must I get another book with info?

Thanks for posting
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Old 08-07-2013, 09:30 AM   #5
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

Don't forget each dist cap style requires its own unique size rotor.
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Old 08-07-2013, 09:39 AM   #6
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

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Don't forget each dist cap style requires its own unique size rotor.
Nospartsman!

You are right, I noticed there are different rotor.

Thanks

Hary
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Old 08-07-2013, 10:18 AM   #7
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

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Originally Posted by Harylufa View Post
which is that book you mention?
It is commonly referred to on this forum as the "Green Bible". It is the Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalogue for 1928-1948. Here are some for sale on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...logue&_sacat=0
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Old 08-07-2013, 12:50 PM   #8
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

A little warning here on the crab units.
The rabbitt ear crab distributor also comes in a couple different configurations. Both cast iron and aluminum. If you look at this pic from our wall the outter ring for the two piece distributor cap is thicker and this one has a vent at the bottom . A standard cap wont fit this distributor.
Also notice that the locating pin for the distributor cap is internal only using a pin in the housing. This example dont have the side tangs but some do as well This one is aluminum but we have both in the box cast iron and aluminum...The internal parts are the same .
Also the cast unit uses a brass sleeve for the vacuum brake.....

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Old 08-07-2013, 07:35 PM   #9
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Henry View Post
It is commonly referred to on this forum as the "Green Bible". It is the Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalogue for 1928-1948. Here are some for sale on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...logue&_sacat=0
Old Henry!

I have not this book, I must buy it. I see this book is in CD too.

Thank for this info.

Harylufa.
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Old 08-07-2013, 07:52 PM   #10
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Default Re: 21A-12127 and 59A12-12127...?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION View Post
A little warning here on the crab units.
The rabbitt ear crab distributor also comes in a couple different configurations. Both cast iron and aluminum. If you look at this pic from our wall the outter ring for the two piece distributor cap is thicker and this one has a vent at the bottom . A standard cap wont fit this distributor.
Also notice that the locating pin for the distributor cap is internal only using a pin in the housing. This example dont have the side tangs but some do as well This one is aluminum but we have both in the box cast iron and aluminum...The internal parts are the same .
Also the cast unit uses a brass sleeve for the vacuum brake.....

Bubba!
Thank for your explanation. So, a 21A-12127 can perfectly suit in my engine too, am I right?

Now, after checked my dist installed now is a 59A-12127. This dist is not thicker and has not a vent at the bottom.

I really appreciate these kinds of help.

Hary
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