original vs modern points/condenser

Pat Martone

Pat Martone

Senior Member
I know this has been discussed many times, but I am still confused on which is better, original or modern points/condenser.

(Also, for some reason I cannot get the Search function to work this morning on fordbarn, when I tried to research previous posts on this subject.)

While many people feel that the original points/condenser set-up is best, Les Andrews' book indicates many benefits of modern points/condenser including:

- they last longer due to nylon instead of fiber rubbing contact with the cam, and,

- the higher mounted condenser (in the upper instead of the lower plate) is less likely to suffer from excess engine heat.

(BTW - I understand that A&L Parts makes a burn-out proof original type condenser.)

Is it simply a matter of choice, or does one set-up provide a more reliable and better performing engine?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
 
Have found some modern condensers to be of poor quality. Therefore I bought one from a motor sports specialists- paid more than I've ever paid for a condenser in my life and fitted it on the firewall adjacent to the coil as this one is physically the wrong size and shape to fit in the distributor. Been Ok so far.
Points- Have found some new "modern" points have failed and nylon melted at the pivot within a few hundred miles. Some have been OK.
"Modern" style points easier to replace than originals and I run both my As with "modern" type points. Many prefer original style and find them good.
 
Here are some facts, not thoughts or opinions.

First off, If you are replacing points often you are doing something wrong.

A good quality used set of original used points may last several generations of ownership. My brothers car has 40 years on the set of points that came with the car. It depends on how many miles you put on the car and how properly you restore the parts back to factory.

Points almost never just fail if they are quality units. They will give you warning that something is wrong all you have to do is just look once in a while.

Modern points are more difficult to set then the originals. They always seem to jump a bit as you try to set them (on my Mustang that is). Though with the special tool it is easier to keep the exact gap. This has to do with how well the tool holds the tang while you tighten the screw.

The modern condenser is a risk due to poor quality control. They are mass purchased with a low bid contract to overseas companies. At the Mustang forums I have read of guys having failures with even Motorcraft branded recent manufacture condensers failing in days. You are better off buying the A&L Original style as they are likely spending some $$$ (probably like $.12 more) for very high quality capacitors.

If you seach the forums you will find way more people having troubles keeping their modern points right. Guys taking the time to properly restore their distributers to factory specs never have any problems. What will be expected is the point block to need frequent adjustment until the rubbing block wears into the cam.

Please do not get me wrong. Properly rebuilt with the modern plate and if you get a quality point set you should see long life with no problems too. But why spend the extra money when factory should out last your great grand children.
 
I love the term "modern" points. I think the last car to have points was, what, 1974? So "modern" points are at least 40 years old in design. Points all work the same regarless of how they are configured. The only things that matter are the contacts themselves, the rubbing block and the spring tension. Find yourself a set of Motorcraft original Model A points (they are still available), and they'll likely outlive you.

Here's the thing: if you're out touring with a bunch of Model As, and your "modern" points happen to go, and you don't have a spare in your trunk, you are out of luck. The other guys will most likely have Model A points in their trunks.
 
1930 coupe said:
Original points - if rebuilt properly with good parts will last for years without problems. If sloppy rebuild with bargain parts it will give trouble.

Modern points - if rebuilt properly with good parts will last for years without problems. If sloppy rebuild with bargain parts it will give trouble.

The original points is a good design and works well, there is no advantage to changing it.
Click to expand...

I was about to write the same thing until I read down to this post. 1930 Coupe has it right. Keep what you have no reason to change it.
 
What Kevin in NJ said. Just use the original and set the distributor up properly and don't worry. Seems there is always a "better" fix and a lot of folks just want to tinker, thinking they have fixed a problem that was never there in the first place. Just do it right, with original parts and don't worry.

Brian W.
 
Agree,
I had the modern points, if you can call them modern as one previous poster correctly stated, and changed to the original points. My advice is if you have the old set up with the original upper plate then stay with it. You won't find any difference in the way the engine runs. Very seldom will they break. Now if you want to go to electronic ignition that's a different story.
 
in the 70's, there were many repro "original" style points that were poorly made in Brazil and Argentina. They gave rise to the rumor that original points were poor quality. Those who could not find truly original points or quality older, after market, original style points at swap meets, etc, began to search for an alternative, and chose the then "modern" points from 70's Fords, which were of good quality. Now the tables have turned. The demand from A owners and their suppliers for quality has given rise to good quality reproduction original style points. The 70's Ford "modern " points however, are no longer made by Ford and are only available in reproductions, many of which are poorly made.
 
Thank you for all of the helpful replies.

I wish everyone a great 4th today!

Despite the heavy rains we're expecting today/tonight in Boston, I hope to drive my Model A around the neighborhood a bit this morning and show off the American Flag that I've mounted to the front bumper!
 
pat in Santa Cruz said:
in the 70's, there were many repro "original" style points that were poorly made in Brazil and Argentina. They gave rise to the rumor that original points were poor quality. Those who could not find truly original points or quality older, after market, original style points at swap meets, etc, began to search for an alternative, and chose the then "modern" points from 70's Fords, which were of good quality. Now the tables have turned. The demand from A owners and their suppliers for quality has given rise to good quality reproduction original style points. The 70's Ford "modern " points however, are no longer made by Ford and are only available in reproductions, many of which are poorly made.
Click to expand...

I agree, People who have owned and worked on model A's for many years will remember the really bad original style points that had to be bent to align. The bad thing is, all of the old bad stuff that wasn't used up in the past is still around and will get put off on somebody. You can bet that venders that spent money on these parts for resale are not going to throw them away. Some venders will pick who they chose to sell the good parts to. When I get sold sub standard parts I change venders.
 
My car came with modern points as I discovered... I've read many threads on this subject and am too new a model A owner to have a experienced opinion. I will say I have spare modern and original points and at least from looking at them both I'd say I and understand why many say modern would be harder to adjust as opposed to the original ones. My plan is to just run with the modern ones for now but build out a complete distributor using original points etc.. Likely one day try both and see for myself..
 
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