DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I've become pretty good at taking off the distributor and reinstalling in but always struggled just a bit getting the bolts started ,gasket in place and cam aliened properly......
I decided to try to make some guide pins out of orange fiberglass rod and cutting each about 3 inches long (think of half a pencil). Buy inserting one in each of the three holes they stuck out nicely allowing good viability to slide the distributor over them and then one at a time remove the pin replace it with the bolt. Making sure the cam is lined up with the distributor properly.
Just thought I would pass it along it really helped.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Is it possible to use studs instead of bolts. Solves the whole problem

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I cut the heads off of several bolts to use as guide pins. Makes the job so much easier.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Would work just fine.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Two studs. Three is overkill.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I also made mounting pins by cutting the heads off of bolts that have the correct size threads. I use two mounting pins to align my '35 distributor on the front of engine. Then slowly turn the rotor by hand untill the off center keyed distributor shaft aligns with the slot on front of cam. Then bolt the distributor in place after removing each pin.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Here are the ones I came up with. The early cars, some do not have the luxury of space between the motor and the radiator SO mine as somewhat shorter. I have since knurled the end so you can insert and remove with your fingers 90% of the time, IF they get a little difficult then a short flat tip screw driver works perfectly. JM35Sedan I am in the same exact boat/procedure as you!!!!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I'm going to make a set just like those maybe add a taper at the end.
Thanks!!!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

NOTE......I cut the threaded part down shorter too. You only need just a few threads for what they are intended for SO they are a lot easier to screw in and out!!!!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I have struggled with mounting the distributer as well. This is a really great idea. Thanks for sharing it!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

A 'fastener' guy like yourself ought to have a PART Number for those! DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1640091077

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Lol



I thought about making several sets....I have made a few for a few people!!!! IF someone needs I can make some for them!!! The hardest part for me is cutting the slot as I have to have my machinist friend do it, I don;t have my mill YET!!! Knurling the slot end was the big "advancement" though, I have to shoot a picture of my finished product

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Knurling is a great addition to a brilliant idea ;)

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Proof that great Ideas come to stupid people as well, my first trial with them my fingers were a bit oily SO I couldn't get a good hold of them and the Light bulb "sort" of kicked on......Hence the slot cut into the end.......Second trial run went okay BUT I forgot to get the short slotted screwdriver......THEN THE 100W LED bulb kicked in and I thought, you BIG dummy Knurl the end and that will ADD to the convenience of getting them back out....AND Shortening the thread length!!!! I think the fire and wheel came about faster OR thank goodness those two weren't left up to me!!!!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I switched to studs to mount my distributors, years ago. I should have shortened them as well. Well, such is life.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

Used the same principle when replacing water pumps a few week ago, a few cut off bolts to get the pumps in place to make installation easier. Remembered to do this due to a distributor thread here years ago and found it works for pumps as well!

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

It works for many parts. A set of studs is used when installing 8 BA heads.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I done the same thing when i put the transmission in my 49 Ford.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I use studs on many of my builds - makes it a whole lot easier getting everything lined up. This is especially true if you're running any sort of "adapter plate" or CAM Button.

Also, I like the fact that I can put gaskets in their proper orientation (with whatever sealer is being used) and not have to try to juggle multiple parts, gaskets and cam buttons and attempt to get it all into place and the dang t-slot aligned.

Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style)
 

I keep seeing these questions that have been answered so many times before, and have to remind myself that at one time they were fresh questions to most all of us, and that only the names have changed doing the questions and answers these days. We talk about the hobby not going forward with new enthusiasts, but it really is, as witness all the new names we see on the Barn, and new ones all the time. Merry Christmas to all, Old Timers and Newbies alike!