Pertronix (or similar?) for Model B ?????

H

Happydaze

Junior Member
I followed the 'differences between a Model A and B' recently which took me to some useful places I've not been before or for a while. One of them was fordgarge.com.

Within there is a howto on fitting a Pertronix ignition into a Model B - something I'm inclined to do. Sadly, no part numbers or contact details specified though, as far as i can see.

There is a part number shown in a photo but this doesn't check out at Pertronix, and the Pertronix doesn't list the Model B (or A!). Pertronix help / sales confirms there is no listing.

So guys, what gives! Recommendations and part #'s please if you would be so kind!

BTW i'm looking for 12v.

Chris
 
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Well, to start with, that was the brainwork of Vince Falter back when Pertronix was selling their conversion kit for the Model A. Pertronix later became (sold the rights too, etc.) FS Ignitions in the general sense of where you are buying these same kits. I am unaware that FS sells a specific kit for the Model B however if you call and speak with Mel or JD there, you will likely find these guys are pretty sharp with their game and may be willing to build you a 'one-off' for your specific application.

If not, then maybe a phone call to fellow Fordbarner Jim Linder (goes by BUBBA'S IGNITION) could help you get what you are wanting.
 
Happydaze said:
I followed the 'differences between a Model A and B' recently which took me to some useful places I've not been before or for a while. One of them was fordgarge.com.

Within there is a howto on fitting a Pertronix ignition into a Model B - something I'm inclined to do. Sadly, no part numbers or contact details specified though, as far as i can see.

There is a part number shown in a photo but this doesn't check out at Pertronix, and the Pertronix doesn't list the Model B (or A!). Pertronix help / sales confirms there is no listing.

So guys, what gives! Recommendations and part #'s please if you would be so kind!

Chris
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The fordgarage.com site is owned by Vince Falter, Vince figured out how to install the pertronix in the B distributer and made the jigs to position it correctly. Vince made up some of these for me using NOS parts. I have one 12 Volt Model B unit left that I am not planning to use. It is for sale.
Rainmaker Ron
 
Hate to be a "stick in the mud" but if you install a Pertronix, do you want to carry a "spare" along on a tour in case the electronix goes out? Just a thought. I too was interested in Pertronix or NuRex until our club meeting last night and the point I mentiond here was brought up.
 
Fred K-OR said:
Hate to be a "stick in the mud" but if you install a Pertronix, do you want to carry a "spare" along on a tour in case the electronix goes out? Just a thought. I too was interested in Pertronix or NuRex until our club meeting last night and the point I mentiond here was brought up.
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Fred,
Simple ...carry your 'dependable' stock dizzy and use it to replace, if it ever came to that. If you understand and properly install the electronic unit, IMO, your stock dizzy will gather dust, in your spare pile, for a very long time:)
 
Sorry Hardtimes, but I am really ignorant about electronics. But would you explain a little bit about what you mean about "stock dizzy"? And I am not trying to be a s.a. But do you mean to carry a stock distributor and install it if needed? I thought you had to just about rewire most of the connections to the electronic unit to be able to use it? Again I would like to know how you would use the "stock dizzy" as a backup for this thing.
 
Fred K-OR said:
Sorry Hardtimes, but I am really ignorant about electronics. But would you explain a little bit about what you mean about "stock dizzy"? And I am not trying to be a s.a. But do you mean to carry a stock distributor and install it if needed? I thought you had to just about rewire most of the connections to the electronic unit to be able to use it? Again I would like to know how you would use the "stock dizzy" as a backup for this thing.
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Hey Fred,
Well, if you remove the stock distributor to install an elect ing distributor..straight swap, you still have to have wiring (hot/ground).
I installed a pertronix module setup in my stock distributor, by following simple written instructions (with small exception for grounding wire instructions). I wired my ground wire right inside distributor body, instead of running a loong wire as directed in instruction. If done with module..then you will have to have/carry an original distributor..already setup/calibrated..as a spare. As I said, if a direct swap, then you will already have a (stock) spare. As a precaution against power spikes, power supply comes directly from battery + post (thru ign switch) to distributor.
BTW- lots of guys I know, carry a spare original dialed in distributor as back up for the original stock distributor that they are running. Although I have both spare stock and electronic distributors...I don't carry a spare. You can get your ole timey adventurous feel of driving the model a ..by not carrying spare anything:). Hmm, I've often heard that , back in the day, folks couldn't afford to carry anything but bailing wire/pliers..
 
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hardtimes said:
Hey Fred,
Well, if you remove the stock distributor to install an elect ing distributor..straight swap, you still have to have wiring (hot/ground).
I installed a pertronix module setup in my stock distributor, by following simple written instructions (with small exception for grounding wire instructions). I wired my ground wire right inside distributor body, instead of running a loong wire as directed in instruction. If done with module..then you will have to have/carry an original distributor..already setup/calibrated..as a spare. As I said, if a direct swap, then you will already have a (stock) spare. As a precaution against power spikes, power supply comes directly from battery + post (thru ign switch) to distributor.
BTW- lots of guys I know, carry a spare original dialed in distributor as back up for the original stock distributor that they are running. Although I have both spare stock and electronic distributors...I don't carry a spare. You can get your ole timey adventurous feel of driving the model a ..by not carrying spare anything:). Hmm, I've often heard that , back in the day, folks couldn't afford to carry anything but bailing wire/pliers..
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Was the original question about an "A" or a "B"?
 
Bill,
You're awake for sure! My input/diatribe was/is regarding my 12V B engine with A distributor...timed accordingly!
 
I post this every year or so when the subject comes up about the reliability of the Petronix. The unit was developed almost 40 years ago for staionary engines that ran 24/7. Market expanded to fork lifts and tow motors. At one time, Ignitors (as they were branded then) were in every winning VW that ran in NORRA and Baja. Without exception, failures were traced to improper grounding. I've run them in a 1942 chris-Craft as well as a dozen classic and collctable cars. Two failures I've experienced were traced to a faulty coil and an incorrect ground that was my error.

At one time, Ignitors were OE on all Ryder and UPS gas vehicles. These units were factory installed before OE electronic ignitions were commonplace. Be interesting to know how many UPS drivers carried spare distributors in the big brown van!

The space necessay to carry a spare distributor is about the same size as bottle of Jack. After using the product for 30 plus years, I'll make room for the Jack.
 
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denis,
Thanks for that bit of interesting history, who knew!
And, thanks for naming the two main causes for failure!
I've got to admit here , that I'm an ole shade tree mechanic...at best.
I borrowed a buds' ohm meter (he's a real mechanic) and he taught me how to use it. I used that new fangled machine to locate the exact coil with (pertronix)spec resistance. Same thing with following very strong warning/advice regarding importance of PROPER GROUND. Putting the module setup on the upper plate was simple enough for me to do in an hour!
 
I had nothing but trouble with the FS electronic ignition I had in my B engine powered deluxe delivery. I put in a stock distributor last fall and it runs better than ever. Leave it stock.
 
Got you point Hardtimes. Guess I am still a "chicken" when it comes to driving my A's. Will take some road miles to get me over this hang up.
 
Fred K-OR said:
Got you point Hardtimes. Guess I am still a "chicken" when it comes to driving my A's. Will take some road miles to get me over this hang up.
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Fred, I drove my newly assembled 30 Fordor, last year 2500 miles and never carried a spare! Try that for nerve..... but I do have a CAA card for free flatbed home if necessary.
 
Thanks for the varied responses guys.

Soon after posting i'd located the fs ignitions site which pretty much answered all my questions :o, but worthwhile canvassing different views nonetheless!

The car is far from original (not my doing) or indeed complete but i'm trying to get it together as free from obvious modern parts as possible but as reliable as i can hopefully achieve. I tend to build 'em and drive 'em - don't enjoy tinkering with 'em too much though.

I will carry a spare module.

Cheers
Chris
 
I drove an A 75,000 miles with stock dist & never carried a spare.Did carry a spare condenser,but never needed it.
 
I have a 1930 model a that i have had 2 years , and a 1976 ford f-600 with pertronix ign that has been in 5 years , have not had any problem drive the a on tours, and use the f-600 every day.
 
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