1936 Ford Pickup 12 volt Ignition Question

MadmanWilson

MadmanWilson

Member
Hey all,

Getting ready to take my truck up to a show this Friday, which I've been looking forward to.

I got my original helmet style ignition coil rebuilt and rewound to 12 volt by Skip Haney down in Florida. The bad thing is I've burnt it up by leaving the key on for a while just yesterday :( So I ordered the adapter kit from Speedway that lets me use a universal coil so I can still make it to the show this Friday.

Here's what I ordered:
*PerTronix 40011 Flame-Thrower Coil (1.5 ohms)
*Chrome Coil Mounting Bracket
*1933-36 Ford Flathead Coil Adapter Kit

The adapter kit also comes with a condenser, but it says it's a 6 volt condenser and I've converted the truck to 12 volt. So I guess I need a 12 volt condenser? Does any one know what kind? I'm not sure the condenser I got from Skip would mount properly because it sits inside the old coil assembly.
 
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Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

Related topic... does anyone know if I still need to use the ballast resister I was originally using with Skip's rebuilt coil now that I'm getting this new coil with 1.5 ohms internal resistance? Or is it that I needed a coil with 3 ohms internal resistance to do away with the ballast resistor?

From what I understand, the points might still need the ballast resistor so that they last longer but I wasn't 100% sure.

Thanks!
 
Yes, you do need the resistor. Here is my setup with 12 volts into a crab distributor.
Ed
 

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Ok thanks Ed! And one question on the wiring to make sure I've got it right... does it go...

1. From the 'On' side of the ignition switch...
2. Into the resistor...
3. and from the resistor to the positive side of the coil?
 
Hi there, No such thing as a 6 or 12 volt condenser. Condensers are rated up to several hundred volts so the one that came with your adapter kit will be fine on 6 or 12 volts. Regards, Kevin.
 
Ok thanks Ed! And one question on the wiring to make sure I've got it right... does it go...

1. From the 'On' side of the ignition switch...
2. Into the resistor...
3. and from the resistor to the positive side of the coil?

Yes, that is correct. Ed
 
If your cars battery is positive ground, then the POS + terminal of the coil connects to the dist points. If it is negative ground then the coil NEG - terminal connects to the dist points. It will run either way but better to do it correctly. Regards, Kevin.
 
Most round (universal) coils have a built in resistor. If so, the stock ballast resistor should not be used. If you are unsure, contact the dealer or manufacturer.
 
I would think a 1.5 ohm coil would require an external ballast resistor. Your looking for around 3.0 ohms at the points.
 
You need a 1.5ohm resistor for 3 total as above, and to confirm, positive ground = positive coil terminal to points. Negative ground = negative coil terminal to points.
Martin.
 
Thanks all. That's what I was thinking as far as the resistor goes. Now I do wonder if I should have ordered the 3 ohm version of the coil instead of the 1.5 ohm version so it'd be one less thing mounted on the firewall/wire up but I guess it doesn't make much difference.

Thanks again for all the advice!
 
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