Does modern mean better?

[Mitch//pa]

It seems alot of new model A friends that are fresh in the hobby get drawn into installing the modern points and condenser. I guess when one scans the catalouge and see's modern that it must be better than original.
There are other modern improvements that do improve things.....

[30ccpickup]

Modern, yes and no, the new and improved original style condenser on the market makes modern points and condenser pointless.

[George Miller]

Short answer no.

[30ccpickup]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Short answer no.

Ya, I agree, I just gave the long answer

[Bruce Lancaster]

I think that setup was a response to an obsolete need...for a while, the Model A points and condensers available from the usual parts suppliers were grade Z junk that caused endless problems. Using the '65 Mustang type points made it easier to find usable parts... but why didn't anyone notice that decent Model A points were still available from NAPA, right in the same catalog as the "Modern" points?
Now good points have reached the Model A catalogs, and NAPA remains an alternate source. And the "Modern" points are now from so far in the past that no parts counter person under 60 years old will know what you are talking about...

[Big hammer]

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Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

It seems alot of new model A friends that are fresh in the hobby get drawn into installing the modern points and condenser. I guess when one scans the catalouge and see's modern that it must be better than original.
There are other modern improvements that do improve things.....

Little blue pills :-) sorry couldn't resist

[Jeff/Illinois]

I know one thing,,, the original points are a lot easier to set and get them lined up correctly vs. the modern points.

We shelved the modern and went back to the original set up. With the new condensors (from I think it was A&L) it's pretty sweet! I'm finding out in most cases for a Model A, original design ain't so bad.

[31 Model A]

Give me a good old fashion gal over a modern gal any day!!!!

[jm29henry]

No!

[1Tudoor]

Progress is our most important problem

[Patrick L.]

Bruce makes an excellent point. There appeared to be a need so it was filled.

I happen to be one that doesn't have an issue with the modern wired upper plate. I've used one for about 10 years now because I was told they were no good, so, I had to find out. A spare original style point spare distributor has been rattling around in the rumble seat for all that time and is now getting rusty.

The main thing though is quality parts. The original style points/condensers may have been junk at one time just like most of the new 'modern' parts are now. If good quality parts are used then either type work just fine.

[Mitch//pa]

I think maybe the point was missed a bit... I'm talking about 2016 not back in the past....
A newbie opens the book or goes online and see's MODERN points followed by ORIGINAL points. Are the the MODERN points more appetizing??? at least it seems that way on all the posts I read..

[updraught]

Modern is pointless.

MODERN is CLASSIC.

Original is... Pre Historic?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by forever4

The "Modern" parts are appealing because they have all the latest and most up to date flaws and failures, compared to the originals.

With very few exceptions, original design parts are much better than the more recent mousetraps fitted to Model A's.

Vince can u name a couple of those modern exceptions that are better

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

I think maybe the point was missed a bit... I'm talking about 2016 not back in the past....
A newbie opens the book or goes online and see's MODERN points followed by ORIGINAL points. Are the the MODERN points more appetizing??? at least it seems that way on all the posts I read..

Well, at the outset, modern usually sounds 'more better' than original doesn't it.

[tbirdtbird]

" Does modern mean better?"

Mitch you already know the answer to the question u are asking!

[Bruce Lancaster]

If you define "Modern" as meaning about 1940...
I think a regulator in the charging system is a real functional improvement. Stock, the generator has to crank out whatever amperage it is set on all the time, and so it is necessarily either allowing discharge or cooking the battery much of the time.
(edit...after WWII, the time is oft referred to as "Postmodern." Postmodern points are an entirely different matter.)

[700rpm]

An excellent original post, Mitch, and likewise excellent and entertaining responses.

[walt jones]

The term "Modern" is used as a marketing ploy to attract the unknowing.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

I think maybe the point was missed a bit... I'm talking about 2016 not back in the past....
A newbie opens the book or goes online and see's MODERN points followed by ORIGINAL points. Are the the MODERN points more appetizing??? at least it seems that way on all the posts I read..

It's not just points but a lot of things in our cars. In keeping with the previous thread about keeping it short I won't even begin to list them.

No modern is not always better. As a matter of fact, modern is rarely "better".

Look, I've said this a half a million times, properly restored and adjusted original, and original style, Ford parts will give you a reliable vehicle that will handle everything the original car was built to do.