Who rebuilds 1949 Flathead V8 distributors

[Trainman1]

I am looking for someone with a histroy of distributor rebuilding for my 1949 Ford flathead V8. Would appreciate any suggestions.

[rotorwrench]

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.

[Trainman1]

Thank you for your reply. The spark control springs are exactly my issue. Upper braker plate moves even on idle. Can't find anyone with those springs. My vacuum module is shot but I have found new one.

[1942deluxe]

I have a NOS 7RA-12127-C distributor which needs cleaned up some but everything still seems to move freely. Parts book says use with 8BA cover. PM me if you are interested and want pictures.

[Trainman1]

Thank you, I have a good one, just need new set of springs.

[52flthed]

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Try Chucks Trucks in CT. (203) 288-2769. He’s detailed oriented and thorough in approach . I’ve asked more “poplar” go/to people about this exact issue. I’ve gotten some puzzling responses from them.

[Joe B.]

'49 used a heavy and light spring. Late '50 went to both the same per the shop manual. The tension on the springs is adjustable by turning the posts with the eccentric base. See page 62 in your green bible. The springs pop up on ebay. I have some spares of the late '50 springs.

[paul2748]

Try Lee Johnson 812-598-8965. He rebuilds YBlock dsitributors, may do the earlier ones.

[52flthed]

Originally Posted by paul2748

Try Lee Johnson 812-598-8965. He rebuilds YBlock dsitributors, may do the earlier ones.

I would NOT use or recommend Lee Johnson. He rebuilt two ford distributors for my 8ba 1.5 years ago. The points came out of adjustment because he didn’t put star lock washers on the set screws not to mention he used the incorrect slotted screw type. When I politely told him about this he was arrogant and hung up on me.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 52flthed

I would NOT use or recommend Lee Johnson. He rebuilt two ford distributors for my 8ba 1.5 years ago. The points came out of adjustment because he didn’t put star lock washers on the set screws not to mention he used the incorrect slotted screw type. When I politely told him about this he was arrogant and hung up on me.

[distributordr]

Ford did not use star washers on the 49-53 distributors

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by distributordr

Ford did not use star washers on the 49-53 distributors

But I DO believe that those hardware store round head screws in the photo are not correct. I picture a larger, flatter head, what I would call a 'pan head' for better grab. Come to think about it, I bought that NOS distributor from John last year, so that should clear things up. I will go get a picture in the morning. It was in the original packaging, and is indeed a beautiful thing.

[jeepguy1948]

“Charlie” machines a small block Chevy distributor to work in a flathead. I’m very happy with mine. (He set’s up the curve for your motor)

[19Fordy]

Trainman: I sent you an email re: complete distributer.

[leon bee]

^^^ Little things like that are good to know.

[91A-77B]

Charlie NY is your man. Carbs, distributors (re-done Chev) and fuel pumps. Top Dog. 716.662.9159.

[Bored&Stroked]

While you could have it rebuilt and it should work "okay", I would talk to Charlie and have him build an aftermarket one with a decent advance curve in it . . . makes a world of difference in these engines.

[52flthed]

Correct is the fillister head screw. Which has a lot of metal on the head that doesn’t get stripped easily. Makes adjustments easier too. The distributors DID have both star washers, and the fillister head slotted screws. I changed mine out and it works very well.

Edit: Just confirming my sources again..."So apparently what Ford did in 1948-1952 was use slotted fillister head screws with regular split lockwashers. Later in the 50s they switched to captive external star washers which made more sense since the split washers would fall down under the breaker plate." At least for the trucks this was the case and I would guess the same with cars too?

[GB SISSON]

I went down yesterday to get photos of my NOS. Try as I might I could not get the rotor off so no go on the photo. I will make an attachment for my slide hammer sometime soon and that should do it. For today's discussion, yes, two filister heads (type used on carbs). Washers? Mine had two flat washers, shinier than everything else, and I vaguely recall replacing the little lock washers for something with more surface area.