59 AB with a helmet distributor

Walton Feep

Walton Feep

Member
I have a 59 AB in a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe. The distributor is the helmet style. I want to convert to an electronic ignition in a crab style distributor. I want to keep the 6 volt system. Any advice as to what is involved would be greatly appreciated!
 
I know I'll get push back but I've got a stack of 6v Pertronix in my scrap pile, 12v usually works fine.
Charlie ny
yep , I like points
 
Will I need to do anything to adapt a crab distributor to the 59 AB given that it currently has a helmet distributor installed?
 
A 59A should have had a 2 bolt timing cover originally. If it still has one, then the crab should bolt right up. Hard to know what all has been done to the engine over the years.
 
If it is truly a 59A block (check the bell housing, as the heads could be a later addition), it will have a two bolt distributor mount on the timing gear cover, and a crab will bolt on. If it is an earlier block with 59A/B heads you might need to change the timing gear cover, and/or use a slotted adapter/spacer between the cam slot and the distributor drive tab.

I have had no problems with Pertronix on my two flathead vehicles ('41 coupe and 34 pickup), but both are 12 volts, and I carry a spare module in both cars, because if they crap out there is no roadside fix, like there can be with points. I have no reason to doubt CharlieNY that the 6 volt units are less reliable, so if you go 6 volt Pertronix, carry two spares!
 
I'm also with Charlie NY. Have a '47 59 AB 12 volt with crab. Car came with a Pentronix unit then burned-out two more. I finally converted to points. Worked with both Bubba and Charlie and could not determine cause of very expensive Pentronix failures. The voltage regulators being installed inside offshore alternators are suspect. Pentronix unit have a very low tolerance regarding system voltage variance. I know some here have okay luck with the electronic units but I'm happy running points.
 
Since it had a helmet style dist, it may have the earlier camshaft with the longer dist. drive. If so, you will need to space the dist. out about 3/8 in.. I ran across this once and had to make a spacer out of 3/8 aluminum. If it has the original 59A cam,it may have a spacer on the cam drive that can be removed.
 
I have converted 2 Helmet Distributors using Pertronix components. However, both were 12 Volts.
I would call the Pertronix tech line & ask if there is a 6 Volt (LS) Lobe Sensor unit available?
If so, that's what I would try on the Helmet style distributor.
Just a thought, as I like the distributor with the coil integral with the dist.
Jim
 
Years ago I got a Pertronix for my 59ab 6 volt positive ground truck. It started great and ran great. Until it didn't. The Pertronix module had failed. Fortunately in my driveway. It was replaced under warranty but I didn't trust it and went back to points. As the saying goes, points will get you home. I have since heard that 6 volt positive ground Pertronix modules aren't as reliable as their 12 volt counterparts.

Always had rabbit ears distributor cap but with the 6 blade fan and fan shroud in my COE it was a real bear to remove and replace the distributor. So a few years ago I switched to a crab. A LOT easier to work with.

But I've been having occasional problems when the engine is hot that it runs rough and/or won't start. After sitting for awhile it is OK again. Turns out that my radiator has a slight leak and the coolant gets sprayed on the distributor causing the won't start. Obviously I need to fix the radiator. But I'd still need to avoid driving in rainy weather.

So I'm going back to the rabbit ears distributor cap.

There must be a reason that Ford only used the crab cap for a couple of years.
 
I am heeding the advice of the sages. I purchased a rebuilt crab distributor and will keep the points. This is a 6 volt positive ground system. What is the best coil for this? What is the correct connection for the coil terminals?

Thanks again wise ones!
 
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