Modern vs Original points/condenser

[Four Lazy C Boss]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Not at all.
It took me over 3 years to find a spool of very fine flexible wire with a good covering.
This wire has 161 strands in it.

Tom - I have the original setup on my car. I ordered a new condenser and it was 1/4" longer than the original. The terminal end was extremely close to shorting out on the lower body. I tried to bend the tab on the other end to bring it back a bit (suggested by the folks I bought it from) and the joint was very fragile and just snapped off. Is there any supplier you know of that has the original length condenser? The one I but is about 2" long. Thanks.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes, I've also seen those condensers that are a bit extra long. I've never seen a problem when bending the tab though. A&L has a good condenser. I've found good original condensers at swap meets, but also found a couple that were junk. I cut open an original junk one and installed a new capacitor inside the case and soldered the seam together. I've been using it for about 5 years now.

[Four Lazy C Boss]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Yes, I've also seen those condensers that are a bit extra long. I've never seen a problem when bending the tab though. A&L has a good condenser. I've found good original condensers at swap meets, but also found a couple that were junk. I cut open an original junk one and installed a new capacitor inside the case and soldered the seam together. I've been using it for about 5 years now.

Thanks. I'm going to try to find a supplier that has one the right length. Also, I noticed that there is no fiber washer on my terminal screw. Is that necessary? It looks like I would have to take off the upper and lower plates to get one in.

[1931 flamingo]

As others recommended....................A&L.
Paul in CT

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by Four Lazy C Boss

Thanks. I'm going to try to find a supplier that has one the right length. Also, I noticed that there is no fiber washer on my terminal screw. Is that necessary? It looks like I would have to take off the upper and lower plates to get one in.

Snyders and Brattons sell the A&L condenser It is listed as short proof. You will need to remove the lower plate to install the fiber washer. Super glue the fiber washer to the outside of the lower plate so it can't make contact with the distributor housing.

[Four Lazy C Boss]

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Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

Snyders and Brattons sell the A&L condenser It is listed as short proof. You will need to remove the lower plate to install the fiber washer. Super glue the fiber washer to the outside of the lower plate so it can't make contact with the distributor housing.

Is it the correct length? The one I got was 1/4"longer than original.

[Kurt in NJ]

The A&L condenser fit perfectly on my car --if you buy 2 you probalby have a lifetime supply---one in the car and the other a spare you never use.

[Purdy Swoft]

The short proof A&L condensers that I have used all fit good. I do remember the old reproduction condensers that were too long. All of the old repro stuff is still out there being sold by some.

[Four Lazy C Boss]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

The short proof A&L condensers that I have used all fit good. I do remember the old reproduction condensers that were too long. All of the old repro stuff is still out there being sold by some.

Okay. Thanks to all of you.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

I have been using Bratton's condenser for many years now and no problems.

[DougVieyra]

Back to original post - regarding the "New and Improved" distributor plate and modern points and condenser . . .
I have all original (Henry Ford-made) stuff in my distributor. It runs fine, but as I drive this car as an 'everyday driver', I am always interested in anything that can improve it's dependablity and reliability. So about 10 years ago I bought this "New and Improved" set up for the distributor, but never got around to installing it ('Gonna git a round two it, one ov these days'). Even though 15 years ago I installed an A&L heat proof condenser, I have always liked the idea of moving the condensor AWAY from the heat of the exhaust manifold, and not having to be concerned about the wire pig-tale shorting out. This new 'improved' upper & lower distributor plate seemed to offer a reasonably good solution.
Now, on this and other forum threads (not only on Ford Barn), I am beginning to hear some murmmerings against the idea.
So my question is - is there ANYBODY out there that DOES have some good things to say about making the conversion from the old orignial Distributor internals (plates, points & condensor) ? There MUST be more to this subject, which can give some support to this 'New and Improved' set up. How about it ? Is there anybody out there ?
P.S. Any complaints about the 'new and improved' distribuor shaft with the internal vertical hole for better oil lubicating ?

[Brian SATX]

I ran the modern points and condenser for aobut 5 years and never had a problem. It is easier to change points if you need to and adjusting them was just as easy as original. Also easier to go into NAPA and get a set than the originals.

[Al 29Tudor]

Doug, I've been using the new style plates with the condenser inside the distributor for about a year and a half and over 2,000 miles with no trouble. At that time I bought a later Ford condenser as recommended here on the barn. I was new to the "A", and the bushing was shot so got a rebuilt/exchange from Bratton's. I can understand how the original points would be easier to adjust though. I also had a heater manifold installed at the time that was about 1/4 inch from the capacitor. I'll I can say is my setup works fine.
Al Leach