My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Hello all,

New here. Always wanted a 30’s Ford car. Just recently picked up a really clean and mostly original 35 Standard Tudor.

Original 81k car. Bought from second owner.
Original interior
Repainted once in the 60’s.
Mostly original except juice brakes (good thing). Engine rebuilt a few thousand miles ago.

It has been sitting for about 20 years but in the dry.

So far I haven’t been able to get it started. No spark coming from the distributor. I have spark coming from the coil. Condenser and coil test good.

No clue or experience with one of these distributors. Should I fix this or look for an adapter and swap to a crab style distributor?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EpkoSpMhTywfxP486

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Evidently I can’t post pics or show a link to pics. Have to post more so here is #2.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Hi ya Tim. Welcome aboard!
There are a number of knowledgeable guys on here that are willing to share their expertise.
Me? I'd stick with the stock distributor and points. They are very good units when properly rebuilt.
Charlie Schwendler in NY is the guy for the distributor and George Haney in Florida is the guy for the coil.
If you like, I can provide contact info for each of these guys.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

You might try a little emery cloth on the face of your points.

Good luck,
Pat

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

I installed a Mallory crab type distributor on my '34 some years ago because I couldn't get the original one to work. I bought that distributor from Patrick's in Arizona. After 5k miles or so the bushings wore out and I couldn't get the points to hold their adjustment so I sent the original distributor to Charlie Schwendler to rebuild it. The car never ran better.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

I appreciate all the reply’s.

Ill give the emory cloth a try.


Still wrapping my head around positive ground!



So should the positive side of the coil go to the distributor/condensor?

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

The points closing grounds the circuit. Thus, the negative "hot" lead should go to the coil on a positive ground system.

BTW, posting pictures on this forum can be a challenge. A Search should yield several threads that explain the process.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Please post a picture or provide a detailed description of the engine (head studs vs head bolts, number of studs, number of bolts holding the coil or adapter plate to the distributor, etc.). Even very stock appearing cars can have engine swaps done so long ago that to the uninitiated everything appears year correct. It will help to make sure we are all talking about the same thing before we give you detailed advice.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

My personal preference is upgrading to a crab distributor that Charlie prepared, much easier to diagnose for the future.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

You didn't mention anything about the fuel system. 20 years ago the rubber products most likely were not compatible with the alcohol in today's fuel. ANY rubber in the entire fuel system should be replaced with new versions that can handle the alcohol. The fuel pump diaphragm, the flex line from the hard fuel line to the pump and any other should be replaced. Look into the tank for rust, blow the hard line out. Even if you have non alcohol gas available, if out on a tour you might not.
As mentioned above, oxidation on the points will prevent them from doing thier job and you will have no spark. A good tip is to watch the ammeter as you are turning the engine over with the switch on. The needle should wiggle. If not, the points are not working, or rarely, the switch is not making a good connection to the distributor.
When you get more posts, send us pictures! and WELCOME!

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

I’m in Knoxville TN.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Not too far from you is another leading source on early Ford ignitions and parts distributors, Third Gen Auto in McMinnville. They can test/rebuild your distributor and recommend/sell good parts.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

21 stud engine. 68-6050B 8-3-48

Single Ford 59 carb.

Factory intake .


Adapter installed on top of 3 bolt helmet distributor (condensor on top and external 6 volt coil with two terminals)

Tested coil and i lt measured good resistance. I have 6 volts at the distributor.

Tested condenser and it charges and discharges.

Checked with spark wire tool and indirectly there is a spark at the top of the coil but no spark at either side of engine plugs. This tool just hovers over the wire and when you try to start it will show an arch through a neon bulb.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Thank you. Will check them out!

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Updated my original post with pics! :)

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Please do so. Thank you.

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Tim, Now that I see your car, I'd strongly suggest you keep it as close to factory as possible. That is one heck of a nice car that seems to have avoided modification.
It, in my opinion, would be a shame to modify it now.

Mike Driskell, as mentioned in post #13, is one heck of a good guy. He also rebuilds distributors. Not certain how far he is from you, but if within reasonable driving distance, he'd be a great fellow to become acquainted with.

Charlie in N.Y. : 716.662.9159 / [email protected]

George Haney in FL. : 941.637.6698 / [email protected]

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Tim,
I love your Slantback!
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1700428466

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1700428466

Re: My First Flathead! 35 Standard
 

Nice looking car, I agree on keeping it stock.

Speaking of keeping it stock, that looks to me like a 37-41 distributor under the aftermarket coil conversion plate. That could cause problems if 32-36 inner caps are used since they are different lengths and are clocked 90 degrees different than the later distributor.

If it was me I would get a proper 33-36 distributor, go through it (or have one of the few recognized experts go through it for you, but we can talk you through it if you are game), get a proper coil rebuilt by Skip Haney, install new inner caps, gaskets, and spark plug wires, then have confidence in your ignition system.