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02-05-2020, 04:38 PM | #1 |
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spark plug caps
Hi all, I was just looking at a Restoration Supply Co. catalog and noticed something called “spark plug caps”. I must admit I like the look of 3X and other vintage brass capped spark plugs. Anybody ever use these to dress up modern replacement plugs? What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Ian |
02-05-2020, 05:11 PM | #2 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Whatever suits your fancy. If they were given to me I would use them.
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02-06-2020, 07:51 AM | #3 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I bought a set then realized you can make your own. It has been a while but I believe you use 1/2" copper plumbing end caps. I eye-balled what I thought was the inside center of the end cap. Marked it with a sharp punch then drilled a hole for the spark plug contact to stick through. If the hole was off center I rat tail filed it until if fit better. I use them on my W18 Champion plugs.
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02-06-2020, 12:27 PM | #4 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I like that, Bob-A
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02-07-2020, 09:28 AM | #5 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Here are 8 "Champs" waiting for use. On a bookcase in my "Command Bunker", man caves are for sissies....
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02-07-2020, 09:45 AM | #6 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-07-2020, 01:09 PM | #7 |
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Fun with spark plugs.
I had some of those caps so I tried one out. It really changes the look of the plug. I had darkened the base in the past to look more aged. The screw on top came from the hardware store also.
Thanks for the tip, Bob-A. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-07-2020 at 01:29 PM. |
02-07-2020, 01:50 PM | #8 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I like it! Here they are on W16Ys.
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02-07-2020, 02:08 PM | #9 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I was wondering how they would look with 1/2 copper pipe caps.
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02-07-2020, 07:19 PM | #10 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I have thought of doing something like that. I like your execution of it. It looks sharp. I may give that a try.
Ken
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02-07-2020, 08:59 PM | #11 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Look pretty dang kool!!
Question: Do they get "energized" each time a spark travels to the plug and I must guess they do not affect the strength of spark available at the business end of the spark plug that might affect engine operation. |
02-07-2020, 09:18 PM | #12 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Thanks, I just took Bob-As idea and ran with it. I am pretty pleased with how they look.
I'm sure they get "energized" just like a brass capped 3X Champion but should not effect the running of the engine, unless you ground them... I certainly wouldn't touch them if you have a pacemaker (I do). Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-08-2020 at 12:21 AM. |
02-08-2020, 09:11 AM | #13 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Y and Bob, where did you get your caps and nuts?
I looked on restoration supply and only found the nuts. I hate, despise, dislike and their site angers me. Why don't they do something like Snyders and make it easy to purchase from them. |
02-08-2020, 09:33 AM | #14 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Y-Blockhead, What brand of black paint did you use on the plug bases?
old31, The caps (1/2" copper pipe end caps) came from a plumbing supply store. Most all hardware stores should have them. The knurled nuts I bought from either Bratton's or Snyder's. Bob-A |
02-08-2020, 11:02 AM | #15 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
I can imagine any semi-gloss black would work if it could stand up to a little warmth.. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-08-2020 at 05:29 PM. |
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02-08-2020, 11:15 AM | #16 |
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Re: Fun with spark plugs.
oops, wrong heading, my bad.
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02-08-2020, 11:17 AM | #17 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Wow,those look nice. Cool idea. I just went to the local "Do It Center" and found the 1/2" caps and the knurled brass nuts all for the price of 7 bucks to make those myself.
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02-08-2020, 12:53 PM | #18 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Awesome. I put a ˝" drill bit in my drill press and without turning it on pressed down on the inside of the cap to mark the center. Tamp, tamp, turn tamp tamp... Then drilled it from the inside with 5/16" drill bit.
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02-08-2020, 07:28 PM | #19 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Y- very clever!
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02-09-2020, 12:36 PM | #20 |
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Re: spark plug caps
That is a great way to find the center.
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02-09-2020, 05:05 PM | #21 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I like the dressy look, copper and brass, but hate chrome. Brass has that old brass era charm.
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02-11-2020, 12:32 AM | #22 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Does anyone have a picture of a spark plug with the cap from Restoration Supply Co. installed? Would like to compare with pictures of spark plugs above.
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02-11-2020, 09:06 AM | #23 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Site will not let you copy image, the cap is smaller and costs $3.50 each, does not even come with the knurled nut.
I like the way these homemade ones look better
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02-11-2020, 11:36 AM | #24 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Yes Burner. I was able to grab a picture but was hoping for something clearer on a W18? And without that funky top? They are a bit expensive.
I agree, I like the looks of the homemade ones. |
02-13-2020, 02:03 PM | #25 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Hey Y-Blockhead, on making your own caps. How did you hold the caps stable when using a drill press? I don't want to mar the outside or bend them out-of-round with a pair of pliers.
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02-13-2020, 02:48 PM | #26 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
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Quote:
When I drilled the hole I used a 5/16" drill bit and held the cap with my hand against my wooden work bench. The copper cap is soft and drills easily. After drilling I polished them on my bench grinder. |
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02-13-2020, 02:53 PM | #27 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Here she is all decked out...
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02-14-2020, 01:23 PM | #28 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I really like the look of these caps. I'm on my way out to buy some caps at Home Depot. And these don't affect the plugs or the way the car runs?
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02-14-2020, 01:46 PM | #29 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
But no, I haven't had any problems, just a fun thing to do. It makes the W16/W18 plugs resemble 3X plugs. Thanks again for sharing your idea Bob-A. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-14-2020 at 02:31 PM. |
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02-14-2020, 01:55 PM | #30 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Got the 1/2 in copper caps and made me a set, buffed and drilled they look good. I found small brass accord nuts at the hareware store and look fine, had to use brass washers. Can't find a way to post photo's.
thanks for the idea, JD |
02-14-2020, 06:28 PM | #31 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Well, I just finished putting my Spark Plug Caps on my car and they look great. This was a fun project that only cost about six bucks. The caps and the knurled nuts all came from Lowes. When I went to Lowes and asked if they had parts for a 90 year old car they thought I was crazy. Maybe I am.
Marty |
02-15-2020, 07:37 PM | #32 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Thanks again for sharing your idea Bob-A. [/QUOTE] Y-Blockhead & others, I'm always willing to share my idea's with fellow Model-A'ers. No matter how scatter brained they may be....... My idea's not you guys! Bob-A |
02-19-2020, 12:14 PM | #33 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Finally got my caps drilled and installed. To find center I used a center punch after marking the middle with an X with a fine sharpie. Then I used a very small bit in my drill press to get a pilot hole, then held upside down against wood with a small rubber jawed bar clamp to drill larger 5/16" hole. A rat-tail file to smooth burrs and a little Never Dull made for some good looking caps for very little price.
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02-19-2020, 04:29 PM | #34 |
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Re: spark plug caps
They are only penny's from the suppliers. Not worth the effort to mess about. I get mine from Bert's.
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02-20-2020, 12:47 AM | #35 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-20-2020, 06:57 AM | #36 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I don't mind "messing about" especially on these cold winter days. It keeps my mind and my hands busy.
Marty |
02-20-2020, 10:31 AM | #37 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
Lighten up, people are having a little fun with their sparklers. Last edited by Ruth; 02-20-2020 at 10:37 AM. |
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02-20-2020, 11:56 AM | #38 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Neat project! However, I'm thinking the vertical length when installed should be shortened by one-half or more. Anybody agree? If you do agree, what would be the easiest method of cutting without damaging the appearance. Copper is soft.
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02-20-2020, 02:23 PM | #39 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
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But have fun with it and do as you think best. My engine with copper caps Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-20-2020 at 02:41 PM. |
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02-20-2020, 02:45 PM | #40 |
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Re: spark plug caps
3X compaired to W18. The W18 has a slightly shortened copper cap to expose rib.
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02-20-2020, 04:32 PM | #41 |
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Re: spark plug caps
I do believe the 1/2" caps your referring to Are 3/8" caps. They are 1/2" inside diameter because they slid over the outside of a 3/8" pipe. The 1/2" would be to big for my Autolite 3076 plugs, I don't see my plugs being that much smaller in diameter if at all.
If anyone has the same autolite plugs these require a metric knurled brass nut, good luck finding them. M4 X 0.7 I had no luck finding them. Correct me if I'm wrong. Just trying to save someone a second trip to the hardware store. |
02-20-2020, 07:50 PM | #42 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
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02-21-2020, 08:01 AM | #43 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Save me a trip to the hardware store ??? I love to go to the hardware store.
Marty |
02-21-2020, 10:54 AM | #44 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-21-2020, 01:04 PM | #45 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Y-Blockhead, Thanks for the image of a shortened cap. The bevel you put at the bottom and the rib showing makes the copper cap look more like it belongs on the plug. Great job!
How did you cut the cap without damaging the soft copper? |
02-21-2020, 03:14 PM | #46 |
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Seems I have way too much time on my hands but I had fun with this little project and they came out great looking. I'm still undecided which I like better, the short or long. |
02-22-2020, 01:41 PM | #47 |
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Re: spark plug caps
How long is the belt on that HF machine?
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02-23-2020, 02:59 AM | #48 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-23-2020, 07:39 AM | #49 |
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Re: spark plug caps
My wife came with me the other day to HF and before I got to the register the guy called me by my name. My wife said, I knew you came here too often.
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02-23-2020, 08:11 AM | #50 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-23-2020, 09:07 AM | #51 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Are you somehow defeating the reason there are ribs on the porcelain by installing the caps over them?
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02-23-2020, 09:14 AM | #52 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
Ribs: The ribs prevent electrical energy from leaking from the terminal to the metal case along the side of the insulator. The longer the current has to travel because of the ripples the higher the resistance thereby assisting with isolation. |
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02-23-2020, 02:25 PM | #53 |
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Re: spark plug caps
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02-23-2020, 03:31 PM | #54 |
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Re: spark plug caps
My point is are we creating a shorter path to ground. How close do the caps fit to the Porcelain.
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02-23-2020, 04:17 PM | #55 |
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Re: spark plug caps
Guten Abend,
the copper caps are available here with a diameter of 12 mm (<1/2 inch). That fits. Does anyone know such caps made of brass?
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02-23-2020, 06:43 PM | #56 | |
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Re: spark plug caps
Quote:
FYI a 3X is 11/16" from brass cap to spark plug body and the W-16Y is ⅞" from our copper cap to spark plug body. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-23-2020 at 07:21 PM. |
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