Crab distributor vacuum line

[Macdozer]

Working on a 59A with crab distributor
The vacuum line was cut at some point and looks like the holes were filled in on the intake manifold. Using original single carb intake.
I’m looking for advice/ information
Can I drill and retap the holes ?
What size line and what type of fittings will I need ?
How is the original vacuum line ran and connected? Pictures would be helpful.
Should I look for a different intake ?

[Bored&Stroked]

I can see no issue with doing this. You'll need an 1/8" NPT tap. This should work out just fine. Obviously make sure the vacuum channel is clear on the intake and that you don't clog it up with any sort of sealer.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Macdozer

Working on a 59A with crab distributor
The vacuum line was cut at some point and looks like the holes were filled in on the intake manifold. Using original single carb intake.
I’m looking for advice/ information
Can I drill and retap the holes ?
What size line and what type of fittings will I need ?
How is the original vacuum line ran and connected? Pictures would be helpful.
Should I look for a different intake ?

[Ziggster]

Yeah, that’s one of the ports. You have another which you’ve probably seen. Both seem welded shut or plugged with something. I included a pic of my manifold. The vacuum port openings are plugged with some paper, but in the same location as yours.

Originally Ford used a special fitting that squished down on the line.

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/new...s-7-16-wrench/

[Ziggster]

I recently fabbed up a vacuum line for my helmet style dist on my C59A. I used the factory Ford fittings/nuts previously mentioned, and 3/16” Cu-Ni brake line. My C59A originally had a crab dist, but I swapped it out for the helmet style, but the vacuum port fitting on it should be in about the same location relative to the engine.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Ziggster

I recently fabbed up a vacuum line for my helmet style dist on my C59A. I used the factory Ford fittings/nuts previously mentioned, and 3/16” Cu-Ni brake line. My C59A originally had a crab dist, but I swapped it out for the helmet style, but the vacuum port fitting on it should be in about the same location relative to the engine.

[Kube]

Guys, guys, guys...
That's an incorrect manifold for the 59A. The correct manifold has an integral threaded hole just below the carburetor base. There is a special fitting that allows vacuum to be pulled to the wiper motor as well as the distributor.
I have attached photos of both the line with the special end as well as that special fitting.
Me? I'd find the correct manifold (cheap) and the line and fittings.

[Ziggster]

As mentioned, I modded my engine to fit the helmet dist. I also swapped out the “original” cast iron intake with the aluminum one shown. Was curious, after you posted, so went and checked the cast iron one. No ports like on the aluminum one, and a port on the portion just below the carb base like you mentioned. This (cast iron) intake was the one that came with my C59A and crab style dist.
I also just purchased another “original” C59A, but it came with an aluminum intake and aluminum heads. I checked that intake, and it looks like it is the same as the OP’s intake as far as those two ports. They (the bosses) are cast into the intake, but we’re not machined. The intake also has the same port just below the carb base as the cast iron one I have. That engine came with the “rabbit?” Style distributor, and was plumbed to the port under the carb base.
The aluminum intake on my finished C59A which I showed in my first post, is an earlier style aluminum intake without the port under the carb base.I recall reading up the differences between “ported” and “non-ported” vacuum locations, and it seemed ok with the helmet style distributor to pull vacuum from where I did. This was a couple years back, so let me know if I’m incorrect.
As far as keeping things “original”, that is a whole other story.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

As mentioned, I modded my engine to fit the helmet dist. I also swapped out the “original” cast iron intake with the aluminum one shown. Was curious, after you posted, so went and checked the cast iron one. No ports like on the aluminum one, and a port on the portion just below the carb base like you mentioned. This (cast iron) intake was the one that came with my C59A and crab style dist.
I also just purchased another “original” C59A, but it came with an aluminum intake and aluminum heads. I checked that intake, and it looks like it is the same as the OP’s intake as far as those two ports. They (the bosses) are cast into the intake, but we’re not machined. The intake also has the same port just below the carb base as the cast iron one I have. That engine came with the “rabbit?” Style distributor, and was plumbed to the port under the carb base.
The aluminum intake on my finished C59A which I showed in my first post, is an earlier style aluminum intake without the port under the carb base.I recall reading up the differences between “ported” and “non-ported” vacuum locations, and it seemed ok with the helmet style distributor to pull vacuum from where I did. This was a couple years back, so let me know if I’m incorrect.
As far as keeping things “original”, that is a whole other story.

[ford38v8]

Pity the newbies reading threads like this one, after reading Ryan’s top sticky post… trying to figure out what’s real & what’s not. …And nobody even blinked about a crab distributor on a C59. It seems like all you read on the Barn anymore is how to make an Early Ford into aonething it’s not. Applaud the OP though, for wanting to return to original, whatever that is.

[Macdozer]

Thanks for the responses. All good to know
In my OP pictures what is the bigger hole for in the middle of the intake near the carb base ?

[Terry,OH]

Use the bigger hole in the mid rear of the manifold for both wiper and distributor vacuum. Your intake manifold looks like 1935 Ford with modifications by someone. The vacuum lines can be made of rubber vacuum hose available at most auto parts stores. I would leave the blocked holes blocked. This will allow you to run the car and engine and look for the proper intake later.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Macdozer

Thanks for the responses. All good to know
In my OP pictures what is the bigger hole for in the middle of the intake near the carb base ?