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Old 07-07-2021, 04:05 PM   #1
CatMan1
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Default Spark Plug Question

I'm not going to ask which is the best, or proper, or....I'm sure I can search for that in the forum. What does puzzle me is this..... Some of the spark plugs I see listed for our cars look modern with a top such as you would use normal spark plug wires. My '28 has the bare copper strips for wires. How do I make these plugs work?
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Old 07-07-2021, 05:00 PM   #2
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

You could get a modern cap for your distributor and use modern wires.

https://www.macsautoparts.com/model-...8-20907-1.html

Also on a lot of the spark plugs listed for the Model A the little tip screws off, allowing the use of the stock connectors.
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Old 07-07-2021, 05:12 PM   #3
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

Here is what I did. I ordered the little brass knurled nuts that go on top of the spark plugs from https://restorationstuff.com/. (Page 3 in their catalog.) They did not quite fit so I had to re thread them and counterbore the bottom side a little to clear the unthreaded portion of the threaded part of the plugs. This is assuming that the modern connectors unthread from the plugs. You can just use the modern connectors by unthreading them but I like the look of the brass knurled nuts.
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Old 07-07-2021, 05:59 PM   #4
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

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Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
Here is what I did. I ordered the little brass knurled nuts that go on top of the spark plugs from https://restorationstuff.com/. (Page 3 in their catalog.) They did not quite fit so I had to re thread them and counterbore the bottom side a little to clear the unthreaded portion of the threaded part of the plugs. This is assuming that the modern connectors unthread from the plugs. You can just use the modern connectors by unthreading them but I like the look of the brass knurled nuts.
Some plugs have metric threads on the top nuts, probably why yours didn't fit. Snyder's sell both standard and metric brass knurled nuts.
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Old 07-07-2021, 06:01 PM   #5
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

Just by the Motorcraft or Champion plugs. The cap unscrews. Very easy. If you need help call me. 772 341 8291

Last edited by Fhane; 07-07-2021 at 06:03 PM. Reason: Added phone
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Old 07-08-2021, 06:28 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth View Post
You could get a modern cap for your distributor and use modern wires.

https://www.macsautoparts.com/model-...8-20907-1.html

Also on a lot of the spark plugs listed for the Model A the little tip screws off, allowing the use of the stock connectors.
Last I was aware these modern caps do not have an opening in the side large enough to completely retard and advance the spark, so double check if you go that way.
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Old 07-08-2021, 10:12 AM   #7
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

The modern plug wires are no way as reliable as the original Ford spark plug connectors. I use plugs with a removable top nut. Looks like this:
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File Type: jpg 190A Model B Engine Installation 634kb.jpg (73.5 KB, 88 views)
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Old 07-08-2021, 10:51 AM   #8
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

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The modern plug wires are no way as reliable as the original Ford spark plug connectors. I use plugs with a removable top nut. Looks like this:
I prefer to "antique" mine.




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Old 07-09-2021, 07:17 AM   #9
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

Y-Blockhead,
Your plugs are looking snazzy. Nice work! Tell me about those brass ferrules you have on your plugs.
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Old 07-09-2021, 08:02 AM   #10
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

[QUOTE=Y-Blockhead;2034157]I prefer to "antique" mine.



Copper tubing caps ?
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Old 07-09-2021, 10:47 AM   #11
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

Those look nice.
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Old 07-09-2021, 10:51 AM   #12
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Default Re: Spark Plug Question

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Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde View Post
Y-Blockhead,
Your plugs are looking snazzy. Nice work! Tell me about those brass ferrules you have on your plugs.
Bob, yes those are ½" copper tubing caps. I shorten them a little so they don't hand down too low then polish them. The plugs in the picture are W-18s with the caps and the bases painted black. The knurled brass nuts are from the hardware store also.

Before & After

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 07-09-2021 at 11:42 AM.
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Old 07-09-2021, 12:45 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Bob, yes those are ½" copper tubing caps. I shorten them a little so they don't hand down too low then polish them. The plugs in the picture are W-18s with the caps and the bases painted black. The knurled brass nuts are from the hardware store also.

Before & After
OMG I am in love with that.
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