The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Who rebuilds 1949 Flathead V8 distributors

rotorwrench · 07-16-2024, 10:17 AM

Sad to say but we have already lost several of our Fordbarn distributor specialists. The caveat of the Load-O-Matic distributors is that the spark control spring tension varies by application and by year in some cases. There were at least three variations in basic design with some being cast iron and some being aluminum. Trucks used a lot of the cast iron 7RA types and then the Mercury started to use the aluminum version with the lower shaft pilot bearing journal for the 1950 and later models.

All are fairly easy to restore but a person may need a reamer when replacing the upper bushing. The vacuum spark control unit would likely need to be replaced if the diaphragm has deteriorated. I would reuse the spark control springs if they are serviceable and be sure to label them so they are reinstalled back in the same place. There is not a whole lot more to them other than the breaker points, condenser, rotor, and cap.

I've noticed that folks like C&G Ford parts that offer rebuilt units on exchange, now show that they are not available. This may be due to the lack of rebuilders at this time. A person might find an old rebuilt one on flea-pay if they know exactly what part number they need.

07-16-2024, 10:17 AM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,010	Re: Who rebuilds 1949 Flathead V8 distributors Sad to say but we have already lost several of our Fordbarn distributor specialists. The caveat of the Load-O-Matic distributors is that the spark control spring tension varies by application and by year in some cases. There were at least three variations in basic design with some being cast iron and some being aluminum. Trucks used a lot of the cast iron 7RA types and then the Mercury started to use the aluminum version with the lower shaft pilot bearing journal for the 1950 and later models. All are fairly easy to restore but a person may need a reamer when replacing the upper bushing. The vacuum spark control unit would likely need to be replaced if the diaphragm has deteriorated. I would reuse the spark control springs if they are serviceable and be sure to label them so they are reinstalled back in the same place. There is not a whole lot more to them other than the breaker points, condenser, rotor, and cap. I've noticed that folks like C&G Ford parts that offer rebuilt units on exchange, now show that they are not available. This may be due to the lack of rebuilders at this time. A person might find an old rebuilt one on flea-pay if they know exactly what part number they need.