Rebuilding a backup distributor, for my 53' Merc

Merc Cruzer

Merc Cruzer

Well-known member
I read through this old post, great information. I am rebuilding a back up distributor. (if you have one you will never need it!;). I now have the old bushings out and everything is now soaking, to get them clean before I start the installation of the new bushing, and the reassembly:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186722&highlight=removing+bushing+distributor

My question is what do you use for the material to replace the paper on the bottom of the distributor?
 

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Been a long time since I had to look into mine on the 52. I'd have to re-learn everything I've forgotten. I do have that spare from the 53 Merc I could practice on. As you say its good to have a rebuilt spare on hand.
 
RalphG said:
Been a long time since I had to look into mine on the 52. I'd have to re-learn everything I've forgotten. I do have that spare from the 53 Merc I could practice on. As you say its good to have a rebuilt spare on hand.
Click to expand...

They are much easier to work on that the ones in prior postings. One thing, is the the housings for the bushings, are much thicker than the ones in the posts and much less of a chance, that you will brake or crack them while installing the bushings. Bushings on ebay, were NOS - $15 for the upper and lower set. I have a ton of pictures, if you need anything, send me an e-mail: royd13483@aol.com.

Here is a before and after, just for reference. It goes in the car tomorrow, to finish the set up, and then in a box.
 

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Thanks. Definitely looks like you know what you are doing. Mine works ok on the 52 but I have not really done anything to it other than check point gap. If it warms up a bit I will have to bring that spare dist. from the 53 into the shop and get to know it.
 
Nice Merc!
Are you going to run the rebuilt distributor just to make sure it is ok?
Not sure your cleaning process but it looks as good as new!
Regards,
Chris
 
It's important to have the advance adjusted with good vacuum gauge,and that there's no leaks in the diaphragm
 
Installed it today after setting points. I then took it out for a good run (25 miles) and it ran beautifully. Now it goes in the box. The one I have on the car is "perfect", so it will stay.

After taking it completely apart and pulling the old bushings, I soaked all the parts in the de-greaser, I buy from Harbor Freight, over night. Then I take soft brass brush to everything and a bottle bristle brush to the inside of the bushing bore. I then polish the out side of the housing on a wheel, along with the shaft. Install new bushings and light coat with grease. Reassemble, then set the points. Yes it would be nice, to had it set up on a distributor machine, but I just don't have one. This is only meant to serve as a back up anyway, not the primary. It will go in the trunk, if I take any long trips, until then, it will reside in the box with a cap and the wires already in the cap in the correct location for a quick install, if needed.

I normally go through any parts, to be used as back ups, and clean and service them before putting them in storage. Makes it allot easier, if and when I need them. Anyway it is Winter, and these are the projects I use, to keep me busy. When the snow melts, and the roads are dry, which it does numerous times, during the Winter, I take the car out for a good run. It is good for both me and the car.

I need to get to the hardware store, to get a couple of small "drive nails" to put the ID tag back on the housing, before it goes into the box. I need to find another ID tag for the one in the car.
 

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