Help identify these distributors and coil
- Thread starter Seth Swoboda
- Start date
BUBBAS IGNITION
Well-known member
three hole coil is from 32-36, two hole coil is from 36 to 41.......... Oblong coil was one year only 1936. Just send them to us for a trade program??
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
I have many more helmet type distributors and 2 bolt crab types. I just pulled these out of one box. They were tagged just as you described them Bubba. I didn't trust the tags. I will be needing the 1940 type rebuilt. I'll get with you then. Thanks again for your help, you never disappoint.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
On the 2-screw hole '37-41...look at the rear where the shaft and drive tab are. If you see a stamped "68" it is '37-40 with the same advance curve as introduced in 1936 on the uncommon 68 distributor that fits the coil in last picture. If you see an "11" there you have the quicker advance curve used 1941-48 and will pick up a little bit of extra pep for your motor. That curve was added to the earlier distrib for 1941 and carried on into the new distributor in '42, and also that advance unit became the parts counter replacement for '37-40.
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
Good info Bruce. What kind of service do these helmet distributors provide? I have never built a prewar V8 with a helmet distributor but I will be soon. I have plenty of experience with the two bolt crab type.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
The '37-41 use same points as crab and if 11A use same advance. Stuff I don't like... good plastic parts not easy to find, no idea if any good repros exist, and due to bulk you can't just whip the distributor out in a minute to work on it due to belts and stuff in the way.
COE Dan
Senior Member
Seth,
Just rebuilt my '34 pickup distributor. Like you, I'm more experienced with the crab style. Found out my '34 has the later 37-41 two-screw-coil design. I didn't have the correct 32-36 housing so I just went with the younger one. I put the 11A innards in it for better performance. Key note: you really need a distributor machine to set them correctly. I did my crab type manually with satisfactory results but the helmet type aren't as easy manually. Fortunately, I found someone nearby with an original Ford service dept distributor machine. As it is not mine, I can't volunteer its use. PM me if you're interested in me asking him if you'd like to do it yourself.
Dan
Just rebuilt my '34 pickup distributor. Like you, I'm more experienced with the crab style. Found out my '34 has the later 37-41 two-screw-coil design. I didn't have the correct 32-36 housing so I just went with the younger one. I put the 11A innards in it for better performance. Key note: you really need a distributor machine to set them correctly. I did my crab type manually with satisfactory results but the helmet type aren't as easy manually. Fortunately, I found someone nearby with an original Ford service dept distributor machine. As it is not mine, I can't volunteer its use. PM me if you're interested in me asking him if you'd like to do it yourself.
Dan
vtwinsideways
Senior Member
Seth, thanks so much for starting this post! Answered a bunch of questions I had not got around to asking yet but need to know. Luke
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
All of my 37-41 distributors have the "68" stamped on the rear. I just bought a V8 parts collection from another collector. I don't have it home yet, hopefully I will find one with the quicker advance curve in there.
Greetings Bubba. I hope you are doing well. I need a replacement distributor for a 36 221 stock. I am hoping that you may have one available rebuilt for exchange. Car sat since fall 2019 in cold garage during serious illness and pandemic tried to start after new fuel pump now no spark. ( of course….I am desperate due to impending Wisconsin winter) what else is new. Illness remains but slightly improved. Is there any way to help me with this soon. I know you are always getting requests. Thank you for any reply. Be well. John sullivan. 847-275-4841. john.sullivanfordor36@gmail.com. Any contact is appreciated. I struggle with the barn IM’s. God bless. Sorry to sound so desperate!
JM 35 Sedan
Well-known member
Ron_r1959
Senior Member
I found this you tube video that's pretty helpful on setting them up with a Sun machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EqUH2ZnSSY
rockfla
Well-known member
Actually.....AS for what years these distributors fit, YES the two on the left WILL work on 1932......BUT.....IF accuracy is what you are seeking......THEY are NOT 1932 Distributors as pictured and the appropriate 1932 tall coil. Actually the one distributor in my picture on the left is a reproduction
