Keep my '34 running

B

bill4704

Junior Member
I have a nice '34 Ford pickup with a 59AB flathead. It has the old helmet distributor, modified to take a modern 12v coil. The electrical is now 12v.
It has the original copper plug wires with bare metal connectors to the spark plugs. Runs great-until it rains! Any water through the radiator and it stops cold. What is the best remedy.
For those looking for a 1939 3-speed trans, I found a guy in Minn that has been rebuilding them for years. Gaylord at 218-770-6808.
And this link might be useful.
Well, they will not let me post a link as yet. But look up Vintage Part Source Salvage Yards and the browser should come right to it. I found this very useful. Thanks, Bill
 
bill4704 said:
I have a nice '34 Ford pickup with a 59AB flathead. It has the old helmet distributor, modified to take a modern 12v coil. The electrical is now 12v.
It has the original copper plug wires with bare metal connectors to the spark plugs. Runs great-until it rains! Any water through the radiator and it stops cold. What is the best remedy.
For those looking for a 1939 3-speed trans, I found a guy in Minn that has been rebuilding them for years. Gaylord at 218-770-6808.
And this link might be useful.
Well, they will not let me post a link as yet. But look up Vintage Part Source Salvage Yards and the browser should come right to it. I found this very useful. Thanks, Bill
Click to expand...

Try spraying WD40 on the points and rotor, and on the inside of each cap..it will disperse moisture and will usually correct the situation.
 
look at how the coil wire is sealed— I never had a problem with the exposed plug ends (no puddle too deep) on my 46 with stock system,the 39 with remote coil mount was sensitive to water ( modifications and the problems that add sometimes)
 
water won’t get all the spark plugs at the same time,if you have a aftermarket coil relocating plate for having a remote coil look there.
with the hood open squirt water on it and also on some plugs see where it is sensitive to moisture.
 
Agree with Kurt. The remote coil adapter plate on top of the helmet seems like a likely suspect. And spraying water around the engine to see when it starts missing is so simple its brilliant.
 
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