Model A dual point distributor

[Frank Wilkie]

I'm not familiar with this. I'm getting a Model A Ford  that has a dual point distributor.  I don't understand why someone would put this on the car.. I see no other indication of being built for increasing horsepower.  What is your thought.?

[vermontboy]

No idea but I am guessing there may be other changes. If I remember (it was 50 years ago when I played with a lot of "A"'s) you couldn't manually retard the spark on those - I may be wrong.

 

In any event if the linkage is still there you can always just install an original distributor - they are fairly bullet proof and easy to adjust. That gets you back that wonderful "ticka ticka ticka" idle. If the linkage isn't there I believe the parts are readily available.

[Rusty_OToole]

I don't know why someone would put one on a Model A. They are usually used to get better spark at high RPM, something an A is not capable of. They have the advantage of extending point life and reliability. I wouldn't change it as long as it is working correctly.

[motoringicons]

They were made as speed accessories for the Model A. Whether or not it actually contributed to speed or better performance is probably debatable. Perhaps they were useful when the engine had other high performance speed parts such as an overhead valve conversion, high compression head, increased fuel supply, etc.

 

If you have a basically stock Model A, I would go back to the original style distributor. The new distributor that Snyder's and the other vendors sell with the modern style points (not the electronic conversion) is a great, ready to bolt on choice for less than 150.00.

 

The dual point distributors are desirable amongst accessory and speed equipment collectors. depending on brand and condition.  Someone will likely pay you a decent price for it.

Edited March 12, 2018 by motoringicons (see edit history)

[Binger]

I am running a modern Mallory dual point on my coupe. runs great and it has an auto advance curve and you don't have to use the spark lever. Do you have a picture of your dual point unit? A lot of hot rod guys running an A or B motor want these. they also like Model B distributors because of the auto spark advance.

 

[Frank Wilkie]

Haven't got the vicky home yet.  I'll probably keep the distributor on the car...   I just had to get this 31 vicky because I drove one in high school back in 1964..

[sligermachine]

At this age I fell in love with my old cars I still have .-- kyle 

[jpage]

I used the original distributor with one of the new plates that were adapted to use a modern set of points and condenser, the points could be  changed without having to retime.  I kept the original condenser in place for appearance. It worked wonderfully for 16 years and no one could tell. I'm not really a fan of upgrading cars like that, which really don't need it if the original parts are restored properly. I did however, install an oil seal in the rear of the water pump bushing which saved a lot of leaking problems. This was before they came out on the market.