Distributor clamping ideas....
 

Hey gang does anyone have a clever way of clamping the distributor in place when using early heads on an 8BA engine?

I’ll probably whittle a clamp out of aluminum but before I do I thought it’d be prudent to check with you guys to see if anyone has done this and if so what route did you take to accomplish this?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

There was a recent post on that topic, it may have been Charlie NY.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260678 post #6

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

Read Post #5 here on the same topic.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...tor+hold+clamp

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

This is available from Speedway for you guys in a hurry : https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Cast-...iABEgJZb_D_BwE

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

We usually just use a 8/32 screw with a hole tapped into the cover. doesnt take much to hold one as they drive nothing. The distributor will botom out for correct set up with the inside ledge......:eek:

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

I did what Bubba suggested and used a 10/32 allen set screw A thumb screw would work also. Just drill in a spot that you can get a wrench or your hand to.

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

Thanks guys. Excellent ideas. Probably will drill and tap for set screw.

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

DO NOT USE A SET SCREW.
Use a screw with a head on it. Knowing how dumb things can happen, if it accidently falls thru the hole you're done. Spacer is 1/4 in. thick which maintains the same height as when using stock 53 Ford heads. Distributor is Unilite. Black mark is a weak reminder of where to reinstall the distributor. This is the short shaft distributor with cast iron cover. Peruse this thread.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...reads.1144583/

Use a screw with a head on it.

Re: Distributor clamping ideas....
 

Thanks Fordy, and yes on doing exactly what you recommend. Appreciate the informative link as well.

Always plenty more to learn with these magnificent old machines.