3 bolt to 2 bolt distributor adapter

Jakno

Senior Member
Would like to purchase a crab style distributor for my 59A 24 stud engine. Need a 2 to 3 bolt adapter on timing cover. Speed Way, VanPelt and Joe's Antiques are out of them and everything is backordered.
Has anyone purchased one lately ?. ........... Thanks
 
when you get one, check the fit before thinking you are ready to bolt it down. mine, and others, have had to file off a bit...i think the corner of the vacuum boss, i forget, but look it over.
 
I just fitted one and I did file the corner of the vacuum boss off. I bought mine 10 years ago so can't help on supplier.
 
Here's a super nice one that you can count on fitting properly.

eBay item number:124637088858
 
Not to hijack but for information.
Can you use a 2 bolt plate instead of the 3 bolt plate or is there more to it than that?
 
Not to hijack but for information.
Can you use a 2 bolt plate instead of the 3 bolt plate or is there more to it than that?

There's more to it than that. The shaft on the distributor that engages the end of the camshaft is longer on '42 - '48 distributors. Thus, the need to "space" it away from the cam.
 
Re using a 2 bolt plate. Yes you can, but you need a spacer to set the distributer out by the difference between a short cam and a long cam. It's a bit simpler than the 3 to 2 bolt adaptor.
 
I'm confused. The OP stated he is looking for a crab dist for his 59A engine. The 59A engine has a crab dist standard unless somebody installed an early 3 bolt front cover.
 
I'm confused. The OP stated he is looking for a crab dist for his 59A engine. The 59A engine has a crab dist standard unless somebody installed an early 3 bolt front cover.

My thoughts exactly. It must not truly be a 59A, maybe a 39-41 24 stud?
 
This is the timing cover and Helmet Distributor on my 59A engine. I,m not sure of the year other than it is a 24 stud engine. I bought it "as is " and am attempting to get it running with a reconditioned crab distributor

thanks for all the help and information
 

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Sending a pm with address, thinking your fairly close by...I got one of those kicking around in my V8 pile-O-parts.

Probably will not use it on my pigpen flathead project so hope to help you get yours running. Scott
 
Some pictures of my adapter on the "pigpen", will get it mailed out to you Jake.

Makes it especially nice knowing it will contribute to keeping a Walt Dupont built Flathead running again:D
 

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You can see the area of the vac port that needs filing. It's very close to the hex on the vac brake.
 
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