Points don't fit

L

lotsagas4u

Well-known member
Bought a set of points from one the A parts dealers. The points don't fit so well. There is part of the front hanging off the point face. This is my first time of installing points in a model A. Is this common? Who has the best quality, original style points?
Thanks
 
Yep, seems to be a problem sometimes.

I've had to do some drilling/filing to get them where they need to be.
 
Yeah that is because they don't make the points correctly nowadays and apparently can't be bothered to correct it. The workaround is per above, the vendors sell a specially machined point block that better (but not perfectly) aligns the points. Welcome to the world of reproduction parts. This is an example of what makes me nuts about some reproduction parts-like, why couldn't they just make it correctly?
 
The fixed side of the point block will need to be moved some to align the points. Put a mark on the lower plate at each mounting screw to indicate the direction it needs to move. Remove the points block and elongate the two holes in the direction of the marks using a small rat tail file. Do a little at a time and check the fit until you get it to line up. Doesn't take long and works well.
 
The lower plate that was in the distributor of my A had a fixed point block and the new replacement points didn't line up. I had to source a new lower plate and point block and then file the point block mounting holes to get the points to line up.
 

Attachments

  • Misaligned points.JPG
    Misaligned points.JPG
    63.2 KB · Views: 265
I like to buy nos or nors points because they usually fit. Use the good points until they are worn completely done and you will be surprised how many years they will give good service. Some people just replace points for no real good reason and then find these other problems!
 
I can't even imagine where Katy buys parts...
474614


All parts from Bratton's. All repro and fits fine.
474622
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3155.jpg
    IMG_3155.jpg
    34.3 KB · Views: 201
Last edited:
katy said:
The lower plate that was in the distributor of my A had a fixed point block and the new replacement points didn't line up. I had to source a new lower plate and point block and then file the point block mounting holes to get the points to line up.
Click to expand...

I've never seen one like that. Is the plate cast with the points block in place?

Ken
 
Notice how the screw on Katy's plate is outboard compared to the Bratton's, locating the stationary point inward causing the miss alignment. it doesn't appear to me that bratton's points were designed to work on that plate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top