Does modern mean better?
- Thread starter Mitch//pa
- Start date
30ccpickup
Well-known member
Modern, yes and no, the new and improved original style condenser on the market makes modern points and condenser pointless.
George Miller
Well-known member
Short answer no.
30ccpickup
Well-known member
Ya, I agree, I just gave the long answer
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
I think that setup was a response to an obsolete need...for a while, the Model A points and condensers available from the usual parts suppliers were grade Z junk that caused endless problems. Using the '65 Mustang type points made it easier to find usable parts... but why didn't anyone notice that decent Model A points were still available from NAPA, right in the same catalog as the "Modern" points?
Now good points have reached the Model A catalogs, and NAPA remains an alternate source. And the "Modern" points are now from so far in the past that no parts counter person under 60 years old will know what you are talking about...
Now good points have reached the Model A catalogs, and NAPA remains an alternate source. And the "Modern" points are now from so far in the past that no parts counter person under 60 years old will know what you are talking about...
Big hammer
Well-known member
It seems alot of new model A friends that are fresh in the hobby get drawn into installing the modern points and condenser. I guess when one scans the catalouge and see's modern that it must be better than original.
There are other modern improvements that do improve things.....
Little blue pills
sorry couldn't resist
Jeff/Illinois
Well-known member
I know one thing,,, the original points are a lot easier to set and get them lined up correctly vs. the modern points.
We shelved the modern and went back to the original set up. With the new condensors (from I think it was A&L) it's pretty sweet! I'm finding out in most cases for a Model A, original design ain't so bad.
We shelved the modern and went back to the original set up. With the new condensors (from I think it was A&L) it's pretty sweet! I'm finding out in most cases for a Model A, original design ain't so bad.
31 Model A
Well-known member
Give me a good old fashion gal over a modern gal any day!!!! 
Patrick L.
Well-known member
Bruce makes an excellent point. There appeared to be a need so it was filled.
I happen to be one that doesn't have an issue with the modern wired upper plate. I've used one for about 10 years now because I was told they were no good, so, I had to find out. A spare original style point spare distributor has been rattling around in the rumble seat for all that time and is now getting rusty.
The main thing though is quality parts. The original style points/condensers may have been junk at one time just like most of the new 'modern' parts are now. If good quality parts are used then either type work just fine.
I happen to be one that doesn't have an issue with the modern wired upper plate. I've used one for about 10 years now because I was told they were no good, so, I had to find out. A spare original style point spare distributor has been rattling around in the rumble seat for all that time and is now getting rusty.
The main thing though is quality parts. The original style points/condensers may have been junk at one time just like most of the new 'modern' parts are now. If good quality parts are used then either type work just fine.
Mitch//pa
BANNED
I think maybe the point was missed a bit... I'm talking about 2016 not back in the past....
A newbie opens the book or goes online and see's MODERN points followed by ORIGINAL points. Are the the MODERN points more appetizing??? at least it seems that way on all the posts I read..
A newbie opens the book or goes online and see's MODERN points followed by ORIGINAL points. Are the the MODERN points more appetizing??? at least it seems that way on all the posts I read..
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Mitch//pa
BANNED
Vince can u name a couple of those modern exceptions that are better
Patrick L.
Well-known member
tbirdtbird
BANNED
" Does modern mean better?"
Mitch you already know the answer to the question u are asking!
Mitch you already know the answer to the question u are asking!
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
If you define "Modern" as meaning about 1940...
I think a regulator in the charging system is a real functional improvement. Stock, the generator has to crank out whatever amperage it is set on all the time, and so it is necessarily either allowing discharge or cooking the battery much of the time.
(edit...after WWII, the time is oft referred to as "Postmodern." Postmodern points are an entirely different matter.)
I think a regulator in the charging system is a real functional improvement. Stock, the generator has to crank out whatever amperage it is set on all the time, and so it is necessarily either allowing discharge or cooking the battery much of the time.
(edit...after WWII, the time is oft referred to as "Postmodern." Postmodern points are an entirely different matter.)
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walt jones
Senior Member
The term "Modern" is used as a marketing ploy to attract the unknowing.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
It's not just points but a lot of things in our cars. In keeping with the previous thread about keeping it short I won't even begin to list them.
No modern is not always better. As a matter of fact, modern is rarely "better".
Look, I've said this a half a million times, properly restored and adjusted original, and original style, Ford parts will give you a reliable vehicle that will handle everything the original car was built to do.