The Distributor

[Bob Bidonde]

I am working on a presentation about the A-12100 Distributor Assembly. In my collection of parts I have 2 different A-12130 Distributor Base Assemblies. One distributor casting has open ears for the attachment of the A-12144 Distributor Cap Clamps. The other casting has ears that are bridged together. However, I do not see a part number difference reflecting a change to the casting. Does the bridged ears appear on the Ford engineering drawing? What is fine point judging position about the difference in the ears? Someone please post a picture of the distributor casting showing the bridged ears.

 

[alexiskai]

Per the JS, bridged ears were "an alternate design from January 1931 through the end of production."

 

[JayJay]

I have picked up several boxes of distributors and parts, from which I’m putting together usable refurbished assemblies. I’ve encountered several bodies with broken off ears, which are useless. In the current batch of five that I’m working on there are two of the later, “bridged ear” configuration. I’m keeping one as a spare but will sell the rest. I’ll likely ask a small premium for the “bridged ear” as I think it’s a superior design.

In my neck of the woods complete distributors, not necessarily refurbished, are typically $100 at swap meets.

 

[Trapdoor2]

I have one with a broken off ear. I intend to braze/silver-solder it back on. It should be fine as a back-up.

 

[nkaminar]

Ah yes, the Vincent van Gogh distributor.

 

[Synchro909]

ah yes, the vincent van gogh distributor.

 

[old31]

Oh, you're funny NK.

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, an example of Ford engineering department reaction to an issue, the modification of the clip holding ears , probably got feedback from Ford repair garages on them braking ears off , so changed the design. Seems to be a recurring theme, of product improvement.

 

[RENNERS CORNER]

Because the cars were only a max of 3 years old, I'm not sure this change was from repair garage or dealership complaints, how many would you be working on??? More likely the assembly department putting the distributors together were bumping and braking the ears is why the change was made. Same with double venturi some say the dealers were braking them... how many would have been to the deal for carburetor work in the first few months of production??? The Stromberg lawsuit is a far more reasonable idea for the change. Just My Thoughts

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Here is a fix for broken ears. I know it does not look original, but it saves an otherwise junk casting. Drill holes through the casting at each broken ear and insert an eye screw wet with JB-Weld. Once the JB-Weld is fully cured, grind the inside of the eye screw flush to the casting. I bet that nobody will notice this fix unless you point it out!