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Old 11-23-2020, 07:04 PM   #1
zuburg
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Default Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

I am in the process of trying to re-assemble my 1956 T-bird after nearly 5 years since disassembly and my memory of where some things go is failing me. I just found an odd looking part that I don’t remember ever seeing before. I found out it was the resistor for the coil. Looking at some pictures of exploded parts, I believe it is attached to the coil bracket.

Do I have it oriented correctly in the picture? I attached it with the connectors facing the firewall. The screws on the coil are marked Dist and Battery. I assume the battery terminal is the “+”? In the picture, you can see a short red wire on the top connector of the resistor. Based on my notes, I believe this wire should attach to the screw labeled “Dist”? Is this correct? What wire should be attached to the bottom connector on the resistor?

Added the picture I forgot.

Thanks

Last edited by zuburg; 11-23-2020 at 07:49 PM.
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Old 11-23-2020, 08:50 PM   #2
paul2748
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

Yes- the connectors face the firewall. No picture
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Old 11-23-2020, 09:34 PM   #3
dmsfrr
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

Here is a wiring diagram example.
Which way the ballast resistor terminals face depends on its mounting bracket and the position of the coil.
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Attached Images
File Type: jpg 12v Ignition wiring diagram c2.jpg (53.0 KB, 19 views)
File Type: jpg ballast resistor copy.jpg (55.4 KB, 28 views)
File Type: jpg resistor c.jpg (148.5 KB, 22 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 11-23-2020 at 09:47 PM.
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Old 11-23-2020, 10:03 PM   #4
40cpe
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

Quote:
Originally Posted by zuburg View Post

Do I have it oriented correctly in the picture? I attached it with the connectors facing the firewall. The screws on the coil are marked Dist and Battery. I assume the battery terminal is the “+” ? In the picture, you can see a short red wire on the top connector of the resistor. Based on my notes, I believe this wire should attach to the screw labeled “Dist”? Is this correct? What wire should be attached to the bottom connector on the resistor?

Added the picture I forgot.

Thanks
The wire from your ignition switch goes to one end of the resistor. The other end of the resistor goes to the "+" , or battery side of the coil. The "-", or "dist" side of the coil goes to the distributor.
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Old 11-23-2020, 10:43 PM   #5
zuburg
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

I thought I saw a picture with the resister attached as your photo shows (connectors pointing towards the drivers side, not the firewall). Is it held in place by one of the mounting bolts? I was able to attach it to the mounting bracket using the screw that tightens the ring part of the bracket. In hind sight, I think I should have just attached it using one of the bolts that attaches the coil to the block.
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Old 11-23-2020, 11:40 PM   #6
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

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Quote:
Originally Posted by zuburg View Post
I thought I saw a picture with the resister attached as your photo shows (connectors pointing towards the drivers side, not the firewall). Is it held in place by one of the mounting bolts? I was able to attach it to the mounting bracket using the screw that tightens the ring part of the bracket. In hind sight, I think I should have just attached it using one of the bolts that attaches the coil to the block.
Not sure which ballast resistor you have but if you got it from a 'T-bird' supplier, yes chances are good the base of its bracket mounts to one of the two bolts that also holds the coil bracket to the intake manifold.
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Attached Images
File Type: jpg '56 ECZ-A intake, coil mount.jpg (81.2 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg ballast resistor mount.jpg (79.7 KB, 18 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 11-23-2020 at 11:51 PM.
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Old 11-24-2020, 08:39 PM   #7
paul2748
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Default Re: Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

My mistake - the connectors do point to the left fender. The second picture shows the original type resistor, which is still available from the Tbird parts suppliers.
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