Distributor machine flathead adapter

N

NH Ford nut

Junior Member
Hi all,
The fine folks over the HAMB forum sent me here.
I have a Sun distributor machine flathead adapter that I have acquired.
I am in process of fabricating a shaft for it as it is missing.
I have machined (slotted) the distributor tang end of shaft.
The Sun machine's chuck end of shaft needs to be slotted next.
However, the two ends of the shaft are not supposed to have the slots inline to each other.
Does anyone know the offset angle that this shaft needs?
A factory blueprint would be nice (dreaming).
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
 
A picture of the adapter would help as there was more than one adapter used .
The slot really isnt used in the lower end , especially on a later machine with chuck etc.
Which one do you have and what measurements do you need???

The one on the right is the Sun unit , the left side is from another machine or a later unit...
 

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Jake, that would be awesome!
Bubba, it is the one on the right, except mine has knurled aluminium knobs.
What I need is the slot orientation for the fixture's shaft.
What is with the extra holes where the vacuum brake port is located? Is it grease?
Tom
 
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NH Ford nut said:
Jake, that would be awesome!
Bubba, it is the one on the right, except mine has knurled aluminium knobs.
What I need is the slot orientation for the fixture's shaft.
What is with the extra holes where the vacuum brake port is located? Is it grease?
Tom
Click to expand...


Yes thats just some grease on the aluminum.
The upper slot ( distributor side) would just need to match the offset of the distributor and could be copied from that.
If your machine has the regular chuck for the drive in the lower section of the shaft theres no need for a slot down there.
I can measure whatever you need just let me know what you are looking for.
When you get it running i can help with the set up as well if you wish . I use the methods desctibed in the factory service bullitens and the ford strobeoscope for set up etc...
More than glad to help...
 
Bubba,I have same problem ,the degree wheel is fixed on mine so look like the shaft would have to be in the chuck in a certain direction,which mine has a offset pin in the chuck also . Imade the slots in the shaft top and btm in line with each other.Is this right? Thanks
 
I have an adaptor here, but not sure if it is the one you are looking for. Also have some sort of fixture for the Pontiac straight 8. Not sure if it is used on a machine or on the car. Rod
 
Bubba,
With all due respect, I get the feeling that you do not know how the Sun distributor tester is set up for flathead adapters, look under your fixture and you will see a pin.
That pin fits in the hole in clamping jaws on machine.
OK, next look at the ends of the metal shaft in your adapter fixture. You will see an offset slot on both ends. Are the slots inline or not?
If they are NOT inline - what is the angle of the slot from inline position? This is what I have been asking all along.
This is how Sun distributor machine orients itself for proper timing position for the Ford flathead distributors. I see that you use an Allen machine - must be a different animal altogether.
 
NH Ford nut said:
Bubba,
With all due respect, I get the feeling that you do not know how the Sun distributor tester is set up for flathead adapters, look under your fixture and you will see a pin.
That pin fits in the hole in clamping jaws on machine.
OK, next look at the ends of the metal shaft in your adapter fixture. You will see an offset slot on both ends. Are the slots inline or not?
If they are NOT inline - what is the angle of the slot from inline position? This is what I have been asking all along.
This is how Sun distributor machine orients itself for proper timing position for the Ford flathead distributors. I see that you use an Allen machine - must be a different animal altogether.
Click to expand...

No i do understand and have three Sun machines , two 400s and a 500 unit.
On my machines the chuck allows the adapter to move somewhat in the jaws ( upper) and the pin is not used at all. Then my degree wheel is moveable 360 degree if needed. I see from one of the posts above that some may not have a adjustable degree ring i guess then the placement of the pin and shaft becomes important.
I have never used a machine where this degree wheel is not moveable.
I have a couple of these Sun adapters hanging on the wall and would be more than happy to ship you one to copy and mesure if needed. Just send me apm and i will get it out today. You can make a match for your machine and ship back to us when done...........
Be more than glad to help !!!!:eek:
 
Bubba, hats off to you and others like you so willing to help. That's what this hobby and site are about. Readers take heed!
 
Bob C said:
This picture may help.

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob, thats a good explanation on how it was done on the Sun machine .
This would allow the service technician to zero out the slide side timing adjustment to a standard spec etc.
We do it the same way with a paint mark on our adapter concerning rotor phase etc.
Kinda a step one , two, three deal.
:)
 
Many thanks to all that have replied ...
Soon I will add to my experience by recurving these flathead distributors.
I mainly recurve 50's and 60's Y block, FE, and small block Fords.
Cheers,
Tom
 
Looks like mine is missing some pieces. No shaft, so I can not help woth that. Rod
 

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Hi All!
I attach my new adapter, it is similar to you.

Thanks

Hary
 

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