options for electronic ignition conversion on my '41

randy993

randy993

Senior Member
Hello all,
I'm seriously considering going to electronic ignition on my '41 PU. I'm sitting here now with a no start, no fire situation. The truck has the helmet style distributor with the coil adapter kit added at some point. I don't know any of the history about the truck except it sat for close to 30 years prior to me getting it last year. It's been running and drivable. It's been converted to a 12v system. I've replaced the coil with bosch blue coil shortly after getting the truck and also replaced the plug wires. I wanted to stay with the stock system and at some point in time pull it and send it to Bubbas for refresh, but I wasn't ready to quite yet. I have been trying to track down what my current issue is. I'm getting voltage to the coil, but no spark.
I've did a search on the electronic coversions and they seem to be pretty popular. I guess I'm confused on what you do about timing advance and so on with the electronic systems and also recommendations on what brand.
Thanks in advance,
Randy
 
randy993 said:
Hello all,
I'm seriously considering going to electronic ignition on my '41 PU. I'm sitting here now with a no start, no fire situation. The truck has the helmet style distributor with the coil adapter kit added at some point. I don't know any of the history about the truck except it sat for close to 30 years prior to me getting it last year. It's been running and drivable. It's been converted to a 12v system. I've replaced the coil with bosch blue coil shortly after getting the truck and also replaced the plug wires. I wanted to stay with the stock system and at some point in time pull it and send it to Bubbas for refresh, but I wasn't ready to quite yet. I have been trying to track down what my current issue is. I'm getting voltage to the coil, but no spark.
I've did a search on the electronic coversions and they seem to be pretty popular. I guess I'm confused on what you do about timing advance and so on with the electronic systems and also recommendations on what brand.
Thanks in advance,
Randy
Click to expand...

How about first try a condenser replacement? Have you checked for a spark at a spark plug with wire removed and held close to plug when cranking?
Phil NZ
 
I'd try to get the stock system working first, since there's no guarantee that converting to electronic will fix the problem(s). JMTCW.
 
Running crab with Pertronix ignition and Flamethrower coil on the 59A/B in my '41 coupe for five years. That is pretty much the only thing on the car that has not given me any trouble. That said, I carry a spare distributor (with points) in the trunk, because when the electronic gadget fails, there is no roadside fix.
 
It was the condenser. Had to drive into town to get one. My original question still stands about the electronic conversion.
My plans for the truck are to drive it around town 10-20 miles at a time, 300 to 400 miles a year.
The info I read on the stock distributor was kinda scary. Takes a special machine to set it up and so on. Although once set up correctly gives good service. I've invested in a new coil and wires already and would like to stay with the stock set up.
 
You're already most of the way home. With the way you are planning on using the truck, the stock ignition will probably last longer than you will. Millions of backyard mechanics had no problems getting these distributors to work over the last 80 years. I'm an "8BA guy", so I'm no expert, but I think there is a way to set these distributors correctly with two rulers. I'm sure somebody will jump in.
 
No one makes a good kit for the 41 Helmet..............Crabs yes but helmets no. The condensors on those coil adapters are the worlds worse !!!!!!!!!
 
I use a napa ih200 on my helmet. Went through a couple to get a good one out of the box. okay so far. Not the best "maybe" but it's easy to get. No issues so far 2 yrs of easy starts and top speed of 75 with the Mitchell. No complaints. I know there are better and maybe someone will add. FA something????


Rebuilt helmet dizzy. Skip coil. Solid


Points don't just quit.




.
 
Last edited:
My '47 uses a crab with points and Bosch blue coil. Previously had several Pentroniz units burn out ($$$$) and could not find out why - apparently voltage sensitivity - they didn't "get me home". Had it converted it back to points and all good now. I also carry a spare in trunk .... easy two-bolt replacement.
 
Buy another condenser now, make sure it and the one you have just bought both work, and put one in the glove box as a spare. also carry the tools required to change it.

Mart.
 
I have used a pertronix module in both my flatheads for years. They are crab type dist. Not helmet style. Do not think it is made for the helmet. Be sure and use their coil with the conversion, and remove the ignition resister. Good Luck
 
ct1932ford said:
I have used a pertronix module in both my flatheads for years. They are crab type dist. Not helmet style. Do not think it is made for the helmet. Be sure and use their coil with the conversion, and remove the ignition resister. Good Luck
Click to expand...
How much of a difference is there when you use another coil?
 
solidaxle said:
How much of a difference is there when you use another coil?
Click to expand...

Probably not any if you use a coil with 1.5 ohm built in resistance, like the Bosch blue coil. But with electronic ignition, why use anything other than exactly the unit recommended by the ignition manufacturer?
 
drolston said:
Probably not any if you use a coil with 1.5 ohm built in resistance, like the Bosch blue coil. But with electronic ignition, why use anything other than exactly the unit recommended by the ignition manufacturer?
Click to expand...

I thought the Bosch blue coil was 3.0 ohms? OK, think I may have misread your post!! Your saying 1.5 ohm primary winding resistance + 1.5 ohm built in additional resistance. Technically there is not an internal added 1.5 ohms of resistance, it's just the windings are such that the primary resistance ends up being 3.0 ohms. But doesn't really matter in this context.
 
Last edited:
JSeery said:
I thought the Bosch blue coil was 3.0 ohms? OK, think I may have misread your post!! Your saying 1.5 ohm primary winding resistance + 1.5 ohm built in additional resistance. Technically there is not an internal added 1.5 ohms of resistance, it's just the windings are such that the primary resistance ends up being 3.0 ohms. But doesn't really matter in this context.
Click to expand...

I think I meant what you thought I meant. In summary, the Bosch blue coil has 1.5 ohms of additional resistance over the resistance of the windings, so an external resistor is not needed.
 
tinker said:
i use a napa ih200 on my helmet. Went through a couple to get a good one out of the box. Okay so far. Not the best "maybe" but it's easy to get. No issues so far 2 yrs of easy starts and top speed of 75 with the mitchell. no complaints. I know there are better and maybe someone will add. Fa something????


Rebuilt helmet dizzy. Skip coil. Solid


points don't just quit.




.
Click to expand...

fa54
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top