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Old 08-27-2021, 05:52 PM   #1
rivcokid
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Default Clear Distributor Cap

Anyone seen one of these for sale of late? I'd love to have one or two, but none of the vendors seem to have them

Does anyone have any extras they'd be willing to sell?
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:07 PM   #2
Gary WA
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Like this? Not for sale tho! Paid $$$ for it years ago on ebay. But if you want to just see your spark you can make one by cutting away sides of a cap !
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:10 PM   #3
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Yes, like that. But I don't want to cut away a cap.

Thanks
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:23 PM   #4
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap




Gary's Clear Distributor Cap - notice that has the FORD Script?
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Old 08-27-2021, 06:56 PM   #5
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

They were an older reproduction. Haven't been made in a while.
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Old 08-27-2021, 07:03 PM   #6
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But would be easy to do.
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Old 08-27-2021, 07:57 PM   #7
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have some,but they've turned yellow and opaque.The cutaway one really works better anyway.If you cut one down,get a new one and cut it.The old ones tend to shatter when you try to cut them.
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Old 08-27-2021, 09:46 PM   #8
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Why would you need a clear distributor cap? Just curious
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Old 08-27-2021, 11:33 PM   #9
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have a clear cap bought many years ago, also have a cut cap. It's a real kick to watch those sparks fly at night.
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Old 08-28-2021, 04:26 AM   #10
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

The clear cap or cutaway cap are really just for curiosity, nothing diagnostic can really be done with them. I guess you could see if the distributor body had a short in it though.
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Old 08-28-2021, 05:12 AM   #11
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Don't bother. They don't last very long.
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Old 08-28-2021, 08:43 AM   #12
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Bet they could be made in a 3D printer
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Old 08-28-2021, 09:21 AM   #13
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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Bet they could be made in a 3D printer
Probably - they are making some pretty cool things these days with them. You would need to do the carbon contact and the brass part on the inside your self though.
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Old 08-28-2021, 09:52 AM   #14
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

These folks are amazing. I never would have thought to cut a cap like this to see inside a running car. This is an A+++ shade-tree idea. Thanks.
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Old 08-28-2021, 09:57 AM   #15
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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I have a clear cap bought many years ago, also have a cut cap. It's a real kick to watch those sparks fly at night.

The kids really enjoy seeing the sparks!! Good for checking for carbon tracking in the distributor body also.
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Old 08-28-2021, 10:12 AM   #16
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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These folks are amazing. I never would have thought to cut a cap like this to see inside a running car. This is an A+++ shade-tree idea. Thanks.
Man, I remember seeing on of those cut down around 1970 on a Model-A Texas Tour on a Coupe owned by Jake Westmoreland. He and his brother Pete were some fantastic mechanics.

The thing that made me remember this was he could make his Coupe start on compression. In other words, just turn the key and without pressing the starter switch the ignition spark would start the engine igniting the fuel on top of the TDC piston.

I was too naïve to understand all about it then but in retrospect some 40-50 years later, I am guessing he had a multiple spark discharge box hidden up behind the firewall which allowed him to get those "free-starts". That is probably why he had the distributor cap cut like that so he could show off the multiple sparks onto the distributor body terminals. Very little today on a Model-A that is 'new' news, ...as many good mechanics have thought-up most of this in years past.

FWIW, back 50 years ago at a Model-A event (tour, club meeting, swap meet, etc.) the amount of great craftsmen that would sit down together and share information makes Fordbarn seem pale by comparison. Most all of us today would love to be a part of one of those 'meetings' back then.
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Old 08-29-2021, 08:19 PM   #17
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I thought of the 3D printer idea but most people familiar with 3D printers say the piece would not hold up and probably wouldn't work anyway.
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Old 08-29-2021, 09:39 PM   #18
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have several clear caps NOS. Great fun both at night and for education.
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Old 08-29-2021, 10:30 PM   #19
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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Originally Posted by rivcokid View Post
I thought of the 3D printer idea but most people familiar with 3D printers say the piece would not hold up and probably wouldn't work anyway.
Picture gluing a clear thread together over and over. That is what 3D printing would look like. The solution type of 3D printer might work. But who's going to program it? To make a few it would be easy to make a mold and cast it.
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Old 08-30-2021, 12:00 PM   #20
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

A few years ago, "Mikes" made a run of them and sold them as a special. Maybe he still has a few.
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Old 08-30-2021, 03:14 PM   #21
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Russ,


please tell me who is /where I can found "Mikes".

Thanks in advance!
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Old 08-30-2021, 07:37 PM   #22
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https://www.mikes-afordable.com/
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Old 08-30-2021, 07:50 PM   #23
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

When I was a kid, I had a 1972 MonteCarlo. Those were all the rage. Then I talked with a guy at work about 40 yrs old. Gary was quite knowledgable about cars, and used parts. He told me "don't get one. they draw dampness for some reason, and your car eventually will not start". Sure it's cool, but only put it on for show. Reliability. I asked around, and heard the same story from other people.
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Old 08-31-2021, 04:10 AM   #24
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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Originally Posted by Gene F View Post
When I was a kid, I had a 1972 MonteCarlo. Those were all the rage. Then I talked with a guy at work about 40 yrs old. Gary was quite knowledgable about cars, and used parts. He told me "don't get one. they draw dampness for some reason, and your car eventually will not start". Sure it's cool, but only put it on for show. Reliability. I asked around, and heard the same story from other people.
I am not sure you are talking about the clear or cut away, at any rate I think both are cool and could be trouble shooting assistance. When it comes to dampness it doesn't matter as they can be changed back in 15 seconds. A new solid cap is less than $5.00 - I'm going to cut one away for the heck of it and have fun.

Thanks, John
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Old 08-31-2021, 08:30 AM   #25
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I agree with John, and about 20 years ago I made my own clear cap by using a piece of thick Plexiglass. It makes a good diagnostic tool.
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Old 08-31-2021, 08:41 AM   #26
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Picture gluing a clear thread together over and over. That is what 3D printing would look like. The solution type of 3D printer might work. But who's going to program it? To make a few it would be easy to make a mold and cast it.
All you need to do is scan an original.
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Old 08-31-2021, 10:48 AM   #27
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I remember those clear distributer caps for modern cars,well they were modern in the late 60's when I saw them.They also sold red-clear plug wires.When the car was running the plug wires looked like modern LED light strings.I had a 59 Valiant in the early 90's that still had them on it.Fun to watch at night.
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Old 08-31-2021, 11:03 AM   #28
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have some for sale. $10 bucks plus postage.
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Old 08-31-2021, 02:13 PM   #29
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Hi Clem,

i would like to have one piece please. If possible with "Ford"-script. Do you sell/ship to Germany? I would like to pay via PayPal please.


@ Bob, thank you for explanation.
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Old 08-31-2021, 02:33 PM   #30
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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Originally Posted by chrs1961815 View Post
The clear cap or cutaway cap are really just for curiosity, nothing diagnostic can really be done with them. I guess you could see if the distributor body had a short in it though.
Well, you can use it to diagnose when the capacitor starts to go bad.
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Old 08-31-2021, 02:47 PM   #31
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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The clear cap or cutaway cap are really just for curiosity, nothing diagnostic can really be done with them. I guess you could see if the distributor body had a short in it though.
Nu-Rex supplies a cutaway cap with their timing kit and recommends using a timing light strobe to observe the rotor action:
Quote:
Focusing the timing light on the kit distributor cap permits observation of the rotor, cam, points, and electromechanical operation under running conditions. This kit can identify arcing at advance and retard positions. The rotor brass contact positions and arcing can be seen at retard, intermediate, and full advance positions. There should be no rotor contact with the distributor contacts; motion to each side at the extremes of retard and advance should be equal. Cam wobble and point motion can also be observed for uniformity of action. Internal arcing to ground or adjacent distributor contacts can also now be observed.
I have one but I haven't had time to set it up yet to see how useful it is.
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Old 09-10-2021, 02:54 PM   #32
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Good evening at all.


Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone who sells a transparent manifold cover. Creating a file for 3-D part printing is too expansiv. So I now tried to cast it by myself from epoxy resin.

I made the mold from two-component silicone rubber for third dentures from the original lid.

Unfortunately, the first attempt did not work. I had filled too less casting resin, too less vent holes on the upside mold and used an unsuitable wax for separation.

No. # 2 has been cast in the mean time and must now cure in the mold. I will report.
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Old 09-10-2021, 03:00 PM   #33
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I admire this kind of commitment.
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Old 09-11-2021, 03:29 PM   #34
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I admire this kind of commitment.
Danke für Dein Lob! -




The second attempt is successful, not very good but good; there are still some tiny air bubbles visible.

The next step is to insert an electric current carbon inside with some stepped brass sleeves.

I will report back.
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Old 09-14-2021, 04:45 AM   #35
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Good morning!


In the meantime, my clear distributor cap is largely finished.

Patiently, the current lead through had to be tricky. From 4 short brass tubes I soldered the gradation for the sliding carbon contact and the ignition cable.
Sensitive was the filing of the central contact carbon alienated from a 'Walton' horn in a small square and round pin.

This is more watchmaker work than for a long stroke cast iron engine mechanic!
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Old 09-14-2021, 03:20 PM   #36
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I admire your persistent determination! Now, can you make a hundred of them and sell them for 5 dollars? Just kidding, great work!
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Old 09-15-2021, 01:37 AM   #37
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Quote:
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<snip>
Creating a file for 3-D part printing is too expansiv.
<snip>


May i ask you why you said this? Creating the 3D-files is free of charge?
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Old 09-20-2021, 03:50 PM   #38
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Hi',


in the meantime, I have tested the transparent cover several times. Great disappointment was that the spark jumps are very mild and barely visible.
Joy was to recognize by it, that the condenser and the plugs resistors are in order.

On a trial basis, I increased the electrode gap considerably on one spark plug and this could be seen well on the distributor contact.

In short: The glass cover is not a toy, because with a little experience quite suitable for engine diagnosis.



Cologne; don't understand your shortquestion.
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Old 09-21-2021, 11:21 AM   #39
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I'm wondering, why the tie wire on the distributor body terminals?
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Old 09-21-2021, 11:43 AM   #40
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Hi',


in the meantime, I have tested the transparent cover several times. Great disappointment was that the spark jumps are very mild and barely visible.
Joy was to recognize by it, that the condenser and the plugs resistors are in order.
I have a cut away side cover and was also disappointed in spark size - much more obvious at night.

John
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Old 09-21-2021, 01:49 PM   #41
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Katy,
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I'm wondering, why the tie wire on the distributor body terminals?
This is made with hard fuse wire from aircraft maintenance and a drill pliers. The reason is that the remanufactured contact strips from the distributor arm to the spark plugs have too less spring tension to lie tightly against the spark contacts.
The wires I drilled are bent down in an S-bend and are tight.
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Last edited by Werner; 09-21-2021 at 01:56 PM.
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Old 01-15-2022, 09:38 PM   #42
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I just received an email from Mike's today and they have the clear caps in stock.


TOB


Back in Stock

Mike's has had the Clear Distributor Cap Reproduced in Non- Script. Made from an ABS material - high impact resistance and temperature rating of -4 to 176 Deg. F. Now you can watch your spark jump from the rotor to the distributor body contacts!

Mike's is Proud to Announce our Newest Reproduction of "A" Blast from the Past Accessories!
Exclusively Designed and Remanufactured all in the USA!!

The Mike's Hydro Mixer Super Charger Intake Manifold.
This unit will boost fuel economy and over all power! No Need for Extra Fuel Pumps or Pieces. Simple Bolt on application. Compared to a Full Down Draft set up which can cost up to $1300.00. This is a New Mike's Reproduction of the Original "Bat" Super Charger as seen in the Unauthorized Accessories Book. Picture shown is the Original Piece Bolted onto Erich and Kelly's Car. We are currently taking pre-orders, 50% Deposit Required. Stock is due Spring 2022. See Pictures of Original Documents online. For any questions on this Amazing New Product please email: [email protected]
Mike's Hoodie's Now Available

Mike's Hoodie's are now available - Same Logo's as our T-Shirts. Please allow 1 week to 10 days for printing as these are custom made locally.

***Please Note***
If by chance you ordered the same product previously that we have on this weeks special - please understand there will be NO refunds for the price difference. We do not decide on the weeks special until Friday PM. Thank you for your support - Mike
This is a ONE TIME DEAL!
Place your order online or by phone between the hours of 8:30 a.m. on January 15th- Midnight Saturday January 22nd EST ONLY to receive the Wacky Weekly Pricing. No previous orders, other discounts or promotions apply to this offer. Wacky Weekly sale applies to this item(s) above ONLY, While supplies last.

As always we are here to help you so please don't hesitate to call us for any of your Model "A" Needs! Due to the amount of technical phone calls, you maybe on hold for a few minutes but we will get back to you asap even if we need to call you after hours. At this time we are trying to get orders out same day but due to lack of staff and influx of orders we may be slightly behind. From our little family business we Thank you for your patience and Support!

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Old 01-15-2022, 09:55 PM   #43
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I just received an email from Mike's today and they have the clear caps in stock.
I ordered one, I'll post some pics when it arrives.
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Old 01-15-2022, 10:16 PM   #44
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Who remembers clear spark plugs? You could see the colour of the flame in the cylinder which is very useful when tuning the carby.
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Old 01-15-2022, 10:43 PM   #45
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Mikes is currently selling them at $12.95. I don't see them as a permanent replacement but rather as a means of displaying how a distributor works by showing the spark sequence. A club member hooked one up for me and YES, it was interesting and instructive. With a temperature max of 176 degrees it probably is not practible for permanent use, but rather as a teaching tool. GD
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Old 01-16-2022, 01:19 AM   #46
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Who remembers clear spark plugs? You could see the colour of the flame in the cylinder which is very useful when tuning the carby.
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Old 01-16-2022, 01:48 AM   #47
Dick Carne
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I'm thinking that I saw where Mike's Afordable now carries these once again. The following from a recent ad:

Mike's has had the Clear Distributor Cap Reproduced in Non- Script. Made from an ABS material - high impact resistance and temperature rating of -4 to 176 Deg. F. Now you can watch your spark jump from the rotor to the distributor body contacts!

A12115C - $12.95
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Old 01-16-2022, 08:43 AM   #48
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

The cutaway one would be good for setting the spark gap between the rotor and body with everything in place.
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Old 01-16-2022, 09:55 AM   #49
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Just got a bulletin from Mike's. He has them back in stock.
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Old 01-16-2022, 10:18 AM   #50
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Mike's just advertised they were back in stock. $12.95

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A12115C.html
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Old 01-16-2022, 10:26 AM   #51
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Originally Posted by rivcokid View Post
Anyone seen one of these for sale of late? I'd love to have one or two, but none of the vendors seem to have them

Does anyone have any extras they'd be willing to sell?
Mike's Affordable sells them.
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Old 01-16-2022, 04:47 PM   #52
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I have them. How many do you want?
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Old 01-16-2022, 05:53 PM   #53
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Mikes has them now 1\16\22
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Old 01-16-2022, 06:30 PM   #54
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Does Mike's have them?
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Old 01-16-2022, 07:13 PM   #55
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I recently saw an article that Mikes Affordables is selling these clear caps. I seem to remember $14.95?
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Old 01-16-2022, 07:46 PM   #56
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Mike's A-Ford-able has them back in stock. $14.95.
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Old 01-16-2022, 07:49 PM   #57
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Quote:
Originally Posted by rivcokid View Post
Anyone seen one of these for sale of late? I'd love to have one or two, but none of the vendors seem to have them

Does anyone have any extras they'd be willing to sell?
I see Mike's has them. https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A12115C.html
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Old 01-16-2022, 08:08 PM   #58
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I think Mike's has them back in stock. $12.95
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Old 01-16-2022, 09:15 PM   #59
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Who is mike?
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Old 01-17-2022, 12:48 AM   #60
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Who is mike?
Mike Butcher
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Old 01-17-2022, 02:36 AM   #61
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Well not to be outdone, Clem has 'em too!!
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Old 01-17-2022, 10:20 AM   #62
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Default Clear Distributor Cap

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Originally Posted by 29 woody View Post
Who is mike?

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/mm5/...-afordable.com

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A12115C.html

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Old 01-17-2022, 05:37 PM   #63
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Synchro,

Quote:
Who remembers clear spark plugs? You could see the colour of the flame in the cylinder which is very useful when tuning the carby.
I have the Gunson glass spark plugs. They work interesting. But in my opinion, the idle setting works better with the own ear.

Maybe they will help with some unknown troubleshooting?
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Old 01-17-2022, 06:38 PM   #64
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have a clear cap from a while ago. They tend to get small stress cracks. I hope the new ones are made out of a different material.

That "BAT" intake manifold is interesting.
https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A9425H.html

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Old 01-17-2022, 09:22 PM   #65
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

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That "BAT" intake manifold is interesting.
I too am interested in whether they can get someone to pay $850 for a replica of an accessory that didn't do anything.
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Old 01-18-2022, 10:48 AM   #66
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I too am interested in whether they can get someone to pay $850 for a replica of an accessory that didn't do anything.

Ditto!
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Old 01-18-2022, 10:30 PM   #67
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Crankster,
Thanks for the boost!
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Old 01-18-2022, 11:34 PM   #68
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Mikes just had a sale on them for about 14.00
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Old 01-19-2022, 08:56 PM   #69
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have resisted the impulse to respond but I can't resist. Does anyone read the entire thread anymore? Reread post 42...LOL


TOB
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Old 01-19-2022, 09:15 PM   #70
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I have resisted the impulse to respond but I can't resist. Does anyone read the entire thread anymore? Reread post 42...LOL

TOB
Hey, cool. Mike's has the clear caps again.
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Old 01-20-2022, 12:13 PM   #71
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hey, cool. Mike's has the clear caps again.



lol


TOB
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Old 01-20-2022, 02:10 PM   #72
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just spoke with Mikes. sold out, but getting 1000 in in the next few weeks.........
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Old 01-20-2022, 04:04 PM   #73
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Wait. So Mike doesn't have them? This is getting confusing, guys!
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Old 01-20-2022, 04:28 PM   #74
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as of this afternoon- doesnt have them..........


I agree, Im as confused as June bug!
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Old 01-20-2022, 07:13 PM   #75
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Well that was fast.
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Old 01-20-2022, 10:48 PM   #76
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I have them. Please PM me with your address. I will mail them as soon as I can. They are @ $10 each. I'll figure the mailing costs after I go the the post office. I am hunkered down due to the Covid threat, so it takes me a bit of time to get out
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Old 01-20-2022, 11:31 PM   #77
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mikes just ran a sale for them
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Old 01-21-2022, 09:09 PM   #78
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Thanks Mike's. Received my clear caps this afternoon.
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Old 01-22-2022, 01:04 PM   #79
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Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
I too am interested in whether they can get someone to pay $850 for a replica of an accessory that didn't do anything.
I have an original BAT and it is neat to look at but adds nothing to the performance. I thought I had a one of a kind accessory. I'm not thrilled that it's going to be reproduced but that's the way it goes.BatInstall.jpg
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Old 01-22-2022, 01:42 PM   #80
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I have an original BAT and it is neat to look at but adds nothing to the performance. I thought I had a one of a kind accessory. I'm not thrilled that it's going to be reproduced but that's the way it goes.Attachment 482737
Very cool. At least you have the solace knowing you have an original. I don't see too many people putting out $850 for a repro that as you said "neat to look at but adds nothing to the performance".
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Old 01-22-2022, 05:41 PM   #81
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Well if they value a reproduction at $850, I'll value my original at twice that if I ever decide to sell it. That's not bad for pulling it out of a pile of rusty junk at Hershey. I think I paid $20 for the BAT and exhaust manifolds.
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Old 01-22-2022, 06:05 PM   #82
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Receive my clear distributor cap from Mike's this afternoon. Must say I am a little disappointed. The new clear caps does not fit snuggly on the distributor body. The other one I have fits really good.

Just like everything other repro these days.
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Old 01-22-2022, 06:33 PM   #83
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Can someone please post a picture of an original and a reproduction side by side. Thanks
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Old 01-24-2022, 11:51 AM   #84
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still waiting the hear from Clem?


would rather give him the business.........
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Old 01-24-2022, 09:35 PM   #85
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

I just received mine from Mike's today and it snapped right onto the distributor body. I measured it against my regular cap and the diameters were off by less than .01". The clear disc is not defect-free, but should serve its purpose for diagnostics.
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Old 01-28-2022, 08:41 PM   #86
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Roon,
2 clear caps are in the mail. Sorry for the delay.

John, I don't have your address
We are OK. Just innondated with doctor's appointments from my heart disease and hiding from Covid

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Old 01-28-2022, 09:04 PM   #87
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Default Re: Clear Distributor Cap

Just found one in the trunk of my car yesterday as a matter of fact. It has Ford script on it. Didn't know I had it........LOL.
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Old 01-30-2022, 10:36 AM   #88
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Well Clem sent me a pair and had them in 1 day!


Talk about service............ none finer.
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Old 02-09-2022, 07:20 PM   #89
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I would be interested in getting a couple.
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Old 02-12-2022, 12:27 AM   #90
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clear cap in the mail to Ohio. Pleas pay $10 plus shipping.

Anybody else send me you address. @$10 each
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Old 02-25-2022, 08:01 PM   #91
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Mikes affordable has them 2/2/22
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Old 03-14-2022, 06:03 PM   #92
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I have a 3d printer. Where can I get a 3d file to print a clear distributor cap? I
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Old 03-14-2022, 06:36 PM   #93
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I bought one from Mike's Affordable model A Parts on 1/15/22.
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