The Ford Barn

Veeder · 12-20-2021, 07:40 PM

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.

paul2748 · 12-20-2021, 08:20 PM

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

flatjack9 · 12-20-2021, 08:21 PM

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

flatjack9 · 12-20-2021, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul2748

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

Would work just fine.

ford38v8 · 12-20-2021, 08:23 PM

Two studs. Three is overkill.

JM 35 Sedan · 12-20-2021, 11:57 PM

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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.

rockfla · 12-21-2021, 07:52 AM

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!!!!

Veeder · 12-21-2021, 08:12 AM

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

rockfla · 12-21-2021, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veeder

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

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!!!!

GB SISSON · 12-21-2021, 10:50 AM

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

V8COOPMAN · 12-21-2021, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfla

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!!!!

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

rockfla · 12-21-2021, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

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

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

Anteek29 · 12-21-2021, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfla

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

Knurling is a great addition to a brilliant idea

rockfla · 12-21-2021, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anteek29

Knurling is a great addition to a brilliant idea

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!!!!

Lawson Cox · 12-21-2021, 02:46 PM

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

GaryU. · 12-21-2021, 02:53 PM

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!

marko39 · 12-21-2021, 03:43 PM

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

38coop · 12-22-2021, 09:35 AM

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

Bored&Stroked · 12-22-2021, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul2748

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

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.

ford38v8 · 12-22-2021, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

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.

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!

12-20-2021, 07:40 PM	#1
Veeder Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CT Posts: 394	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.

12-20-2021, 08:20 PM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,981	Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style) Is it possible to use studs instead of bolts. Solves the whole problem __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

12-20-2021, 08:21 PM	#3
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	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.

12-20-2021, 08:23 PM	#5
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,641	Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style) Two studs. Three is overkill. __________________ Alan

12-20-2021, 11:57 PM	#6
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style) Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

12-21-2021, 08:12 AM	#8
Veeder Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CT Posts: 394	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!!!

12-21-2021, 10:50 AM	#10
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,924	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! __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

12-21-2021, 02:46 PM	#15
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	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. __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

12-21-2021, 02:53 PM	#16
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 821	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!

12-21-2021, 03:43 PM	#17
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,040	Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style) It works for many parts. A set of studs is used when installing 8 BA heads.

12-22-2021, 09:35 AM	#18
38coop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 180	Re: DISTRIBUTOR GUIDE PINS (Helmet and Crab style) I done the same thing when i put the transmission in my 49 Ford.