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Old 02-05-2020, 04:38 PM   #1
Ian in Mississauga
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Default 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
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Old 02-05-2020, 05:11 PM   #2
J Franklin
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Whatever suits your fancy. If they were given to me I would use them.
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Old 02-06-2020, 07:51 AM   #3
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Default 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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Old 02-06-2020, 12:27 PM   #4
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Default Re: spark plug caps

I like that, Bob-A
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Old 02-07-2020, 09:28 AM   #5
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Smile 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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Old 02-07-2020, 09:45 AM   #6
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Default Re: spark plug caps

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You can buy a set of those spark plug caps from one of the vendors and re-tap them to fit your modern plug. It's only brass, soft metal. I did this once but you will have to determine the thread size of your modern plug.
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Old 02-07-2020, 01:09 PM   #7
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Default 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.


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Old 02-07-2020, 01:50 PM   #8
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Default Re: spark plug caps

I like it! Here they are on W16Ys.

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Old 02-07-2020, 02:08 PM   #9
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Default Re: spark plug caps

I was wondering how they would look with 1/2 copper pipe caps.
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Old 02-07-2020, 07:19 PM   #10
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Default 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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Old 02-07-2020, 08:59 PM   #11
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I like it! Here they are on W16Ys.

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.
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Old 02-07-2020, 09:18 PM   #12
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Thanks, I just took Bob-As idea and ran with it. I am pretty pleased with how they look.

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Originally Posted by DNLs1930 View Post
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.
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).

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Old 02-08-2020, 09:11 AM   #13
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Default 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.
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Old 02-08-2020, 09:33 AM   #14
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Thumbs up 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.


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Old 02-08-2020, 11:02 AM   #15
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob-A View Post
Y-Blockhead, What brand of black paint did you use on the plug bases?

Bob-A
I used a light coating 'Black Onyx Patina for all metals'. Update: Don't use this paint. I was just polishing my copper caps with Nevr-Dull and it took this paint off!!

I can imagine any semi-gloss black would work if it could stand up to a little warmth..


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Old 02-08-2020, 11:15 AM   #16
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Default Re: Fun with spark plugs.

oops, wrong heading, my bad.
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Old 02-08-2020, 11:17 AM   #17
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Default 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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Old 02-08-2020, 12:53 PM   #18
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1928Mik View Post
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.
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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Old 02-08-2020, 07:28 PM   #19
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Default Re: spark plug caps

Y- very clever!
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Old 02-09-2020, 12:36 PM   #20
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Default Re: spark plug caps

That is a great way to find the center.
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