Connecticut Model 16 Distributor fits what car?

[Pat_n_Pat]

Can anyone help me identify what car this Distributor and Drive belongs to? The bottom of the distributor has the following: “Connicticut Tel & Elec Co Inc Model 16 Igniter 1200-F 2B (or could be 28)”

From my research, the Model 16 was pre-1920. Connecticut ignitions were used on a lot of early orphan cars including the Overland and possibly Dort.

The Distributor Drive and mount will hopefully give someone a clue. It is for a 4 cylinder car. The Mount has “I-1” and the letter “A”.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Pat

[Layden B]

The 4 lobes on the cam would mean 4 cylinders. Mounting dimensions are the same as a magneto. Similar units were made by Delco, Northeast, Splitdorf and others both as original equipment and as replacements for magnetos. A good example of this is a 4 cylinder Dodge, originally magneto ignition then Delco then Northeast all on the same mount. Sorry I do not have info on possible application for this particular unit.

[Pat_n_Pat]

I had not thought of the mag to coil conversion market. While the Connecticut Igniters were used on a lot of now defunct cars (about the only ones that still are around are Dodge and Buick), I could see where conversion to a coil ignition would be a good idea.

I put the base up to a Bosch NU4 magneto we have.....the holes match!

Could this be a "universal" conversion for any 4 cylinder with a magneto?

Thanks for the info. It is a start. Anyone else have info on specific applications?

Pat

[Dan Marx]

If you put up a pix showing the points, I can list the cars that the points were used on. If that would help. Based on the half moon shaped arm I would say it could fit an Allen, Bricoe, American, Care, Dort, Earl, just to list a few that used the Connecticut ignition.

Dan

[Pat_n_Pat]

Here is a pic of the points. Connecticut was used on a lot of now-extinct cars. Thanks for your help.

Pat

[Dan Marx]

As stated several almost extinct cars used that ignition. Here is a sample:

Willys Knight 18-23

Tulsa '18-22

Stephens '20-21

Rollin '24-25

Pilot '21-24

Overland '17-23

Monroe '17-23

Mitchel '17

Metz '19-22

Handley Knight '21-23

Earl '21-23

Dort 1'7-22

Dixie Flyer '17-20

Crow Elkhart '17-21

Chevrolet (early) '17

Case '17

Briscoe '17-21

Anderson '17-19

American '19-20

Allen '17-22

Now how is that for a tip-toe-thru-the-tulips of the past.

How many member can say they know where each car on this list is located?

How this helps someone. I must have too much time on my hands.!

Dan

[Guest Ed26]

My 1916 Monroe with Sterling engine uses the Model 16 distributor. Does yours mount onn the back of the generator, or run off the cam shaft? Ed Emerson

[nzcarnerd]

From the list above I recognise the name Handley-Knight. I remember seeing an example at Harrahs in 1978 which was supposedly the only survivor and I think the same car was for sale (on the net) in the UK not too long ago - last year maybe?

There is a 1920 Briscoe lives about 15 minutes away from me. I drove it a few years ago to do an article for our club magazine.

Edited July 12, 2011 by nzcarnerd (see edit history)

[bob staehle]

My 1920 willys uses a mod 16 conn. dist. if you are interested in selling yours let me know thanks bob