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Old 04-18-2020, 10:07 PM   #1
mach0415
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Default Distributor Upper Contact Plate

I recently bought what appears to be a very original 1928 Canadian Tudor. As I have been going over things, I began to check ignition component clearances and noticed the points did not line up correctly. I purchased a new set and when I went to install them, I noted the new set do not align correctly, but there is also no adjustable block in order to align them. I attached pictures, because based upon other pictures, I am now thinking the upper contact plate is not original. It appears to have some sort of copper or bronze finish. The pencil is also pointing to a broken bake-o-lite insulator (it flaked apart as I was installing the points terminal stud) and now the plate will need replacing anyway. Any thoughts on whether or not this is an old aftermarket replacement plate?


Thanks in advance for any info...
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File Type: jpg IMG_4900.jpg (36.7 KB, 103 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4919.jpg (30.2 KB, 102 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4918.jpg (44.1 KB, 94 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4917.jpg (19.0 KB, 84 views)
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Old 04-19-2020, 02:31 AM   #2
juke joint johnny
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

That's an original 28 plate .In fact my Briggs 29 Fordor has one .
The stamped style came out later
You might be able to swap the bac-o-lite from the later type
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Old 04-19-2020, 07:11 AM   #3
mach0415
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

Thanks for the response. I may just run a stamped version and seek to restore this one at a later time. It would appear that points have grown about 1/8 inch over the years too, so the contacts do not meet well. Perhaps in that time I may find some that do.
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Old 04-19-2020, 07:15 AM   #4
chrs1961815
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

I do believe the very early plates had different points so that might be your problem.
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Old 04-19-2020, 07:31 AM   #5
30 Closed Cab PU
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

This may work, Brattons has a modified points block.

Not sure the mounting on this will match your plate.


https://www.brattons.com/machined-di...int-block.html
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Old 04-19-2020, 08:03 AM   #6
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrs1961815 View Post
I do believe the very early plates had different points so that might be your problem.
I have never seen any other than in a photo but the early points would just slip in with out unscrewing the nut on the bottom of the plate. They changed it because people could steal them or the car, can't remember exactly. So you have to lose the timing to change the points after they modified the design. I have a couple of the 28 design, the layout of where things are is a little different but it works fine, I think I put a new fiber plate on one but made it new so it would line up. Could be Ford contracted with several vendors to make the things.
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Old 04-19-2020, 09:06 AM   #7
mach0415
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

Is there a resource anyone is aware of to acquire the older style points? Thanks
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Old 04-19-2020, 09:24 AM   #8
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

I bought a NORS P&D set on eBay a couple years ago. Quality is great and after adjusting them 100 miles in I haven’t had to touch them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153899264321 Here is a set that looks pretty good. Condenser is likely junk though.
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Old 04-19-2020, 11:58 AM   #9
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

Quote:
Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU View Post
This may work, Brattons has a modified points block.

Not sure the mounting on this will match your plate.


https://www.brattons.com/machined-di...int-block.html
This machined point block from Bratton's is very nice, my points line up perfectly. But the point block on the early plate like the Op's is not removable.
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Old 04-19-2020, 12:02 PM   #10
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

I bought aftermarket points from Napa they don't line up,I compared arm length to Ford script points,the Eschelin arm is longer.
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Old 04-19-2020, 12:22 PM   #11
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

I think these are the very early points.


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Old 04-19-2020, 09:19 PM   #12
mach0415
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Default Re: Distributor Upper Contact Plate

Yes this is what I found to be true too.
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