Resistor for coil on 1956 Thunderbird

[zuburg]

I am in the process of trying to re-assemble my 1956 T-bird after nearly 5 years since disassembly and my memory of where some things go is failing me. I just found an odd looking part that I don’t remember ever seeing before. I found out it was the resistor for the coil. Looking at some pictures of exploded parts, I believe it is attached to the coil bracket.

Do I have it oriented correctly in the picture? I attached it with the connectors facing the firewall. The screws on the coil are marked Dist and Battery. I assume the battery terminal is the “+”? In the picture, you can see a short red wire on the top connector of the resistor. Based on my notes, I believe this wire should attach to the screw labeled “Dist”? Is this correct? What wire should be attached to the bottom connector on the resistor?

Added the picture I forgot.

Thanks

 

[paul2748]

Yes- the connectors face the firewall. No picture

 

[dmsfrr]

Here is a wiring diagram example.
Which way the ballast resistor terminals face depends on its mounting bracket and the position of the coil.
.

 

[40cpe]

Do I have it oriented correctly in the picture? I attached it with the connectors facing the firewall. The screws on the coil are marked Dist and Battery. I assume the battery terminal is the “+” ? In the picture, you can see a short red wire on the top connector of the resistor. Based on my notes, I believe this wire should attach to the screw labeled “Dist”? Is this correct? What wire should be attached to the bottom connector on the resistor?

Added the picture I forgot.

Thanks

The wire from your ignition switch goes to one end of the resistor. The other end of the resistor goes to the "+" , or battery side of the coil. The "-", or "dist" side of the coil goes to the distributor.

 

[zuburg]

I thought I saw a picture with the resister attached as your photo shows (connectors pointing towards the drivers side, not the firewall). Is it held in place by one of the mounting bolts? I was able to attach it to the mounting bracket using the screw that tightens the ring part of the bracket. In hind sight, I think I should have just attached it using one of the bolts that attaches the coil to the block.

 

[dmsfrr]

I thought I saw a picture with the resister attached as your photo shows (connectors pointing towards the drivers side, not the firewall). Is it held in place by one of the mounting bolts? I was able to attach it to the mounting bracket using the screw that tightens the ring part of the bracket. In hind sight, I think I should have just attached it using one of the bolts that attaches the coil to the block.

Not sure which ballast resistor you have but if you got it from a 'T-bird' supplier, yes chances are good the base of its bracket mounts to one of the two bolts that also holds the coil bracket to the intake manifold.
.

 

[paul2748]

My mistake - the connectors do point to the left fender. The second picture shows the original type resistor, which is still available from the Tbird parts suppliers.