sftamx1 Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 What should I use for correct spark plug wires on my 1933 Terraplane 8? Black fabric with no plug boots? Also, I run NGK plugs, would points be deducted because of their bright cadmium plating? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryankazmer Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 a black sharpie will solve the plug appearance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cocuzza Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 Give Brillmans a call. They might be able to answer the question AND supply the wires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 No idea on the wiring, but I would imagine if its a quality judging the plugs will make a diff. I lost points on a 1913 motorcycle one time because of an incorrect plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 3 hours ago, sftamx1 said: What should I use for correct spark plug wires on my 1933 Terraplane 8? Black fabric with no plug boots? Also, I run NGK plugs, would points be deducted because of their bright cadmium plating? What was originally supplied for the car? It's up to you to do the research and make it right. Guarantee NGK plugs are not correct. The might work but if you want correct lets figure it out. Chances are both correct plugs and ignition wires are still available. For plugs I'll dig onto my old catalogs and see if I can help. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted June 30, 2022 Author Share Posted June 30, 2022 Thanks Terry. The engine is a fresh build and the builder recommended NGK plugs, it runs great! Just doesn't look correct. Same with the booted wires. I plan on getting a length of correct fabric solid core wires from Rhode Island wiring. I've seen black, and others with trace colors. Here's a pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 (edited) Who made the generator and distributor? Chances are the same supplier made the spark plugs. You should be able to find an NOS set for shows and swap back to the NGKs for regular driving. Later.... They used an Autolite distributor I found out. Also for your amusement here is the 1933 Terraplane 6 owner's manual, full of useful info on lubrication, tune ups, brake adjustment etc. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37863/37863-h/37863-h.htm#Adjustment Edited June 30, 2022 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 Install vintage plugs for judging, run the NGKs the rest of the time. Or, depending on judging rules (how much can you depart from originals on plugs), take a gun-bluing kit to the cadmium-plated bases. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 The correct plug for your car according to my Champion literature and what I see on the HET Club forum is the Champion J-11. The NGK is a good running substitute but for absolute authenticity you should get original J-11s. They are often available on the internet (ebay) so keep watching and you'll be able to pick some up. There will also be vendors at Hershey who specialize in original spark plugs. As was suggested, run with the NGKs and swap the J-11's in for show. For AACA Judging, consult the judging guidelines on the AACA site. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 If it's Champion J-11, then we have come full circle and will be talking about whether the bases are plated. In 1933 I'm guessing no, but I am no authority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted June 30, 2022 Author Share Posted June 30, 2022 21 minutes ago, Bloo said: If it's Champion J-11, then we have come full circle and will be talking about whether the bases are plated. In 1933 I'm guessing no, but I am no authority. I'm thinking any new plug would look like the NGK, with bright plating. Or wouldn't that be a deduction Any one look that up? Thanks Terry. The engine is a fresh build and the builder recommended NGK plugs, it runs great! Just doesn't look correct. Same with the booted wires. I plan on getting a length of correct fabric solid core wires from Rhode Island wiring. I've seen black, and others with trace colors. Here's a pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 (edited) REBUILT???????????? Look at the collection of head studs and nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!! Edited July 1, 2022 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 Hmm. It does look like a mix of old and new pieces. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 1, 2022 Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 1 hour ago, 1937hd45 said: REBUILT???????????? Look at the collection of head studs and nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is not the engine in question. Merely wanted to show the plug wires style! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 (edited) 10 hours ago, sftamx1 said: This is not the engine in question. Merely wanted to show the plug wires style! Thank you, as a former AACA Judge I was trained to look for glaring errors, the wires look fine, nuts & studs not so much.🙂 Edited July 1, 2022 by 1937hd45 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 2 minutes ago, 1937hd45 said: Thank you, as a former AACA Judge I was trained to look for glaring errors, the wires look fine, nuts & studs nor so much.🙂 Just for the sake of argument, I see a couple of nuts that looked clapped out but what is wrong with the studs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 1, 2022 Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 Just to recap, spark plugs are correct if they are the correct brand.New replacements are ok even if they have Brite cad plating that the originals didn't, because they are a "wear" part. Also, are any of these (Pic shown)vintage style fabric plug wires allowed on a 1933 auto, or only black? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 4 hours ago, sftamx1 said: Just to recap, spark plugs are correct if they are the correct brand.New replacements are ok even if they have Brite cad plating that the originals didn't, because they are a "wear" part. Also, are any of these (Pic shown)vintage style fabric plug wires allowed on a 1933 auto, or only black? What judging standards are you using for plugs? Certainly not AACA. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 1, 2022 Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 22 minutes ago, Terry Bond said: What judging standards are you using for plugs? Certainly not AACA. Terry Terry, just going by what you said. J11 that you recommended are a replacement # Champion plug with brite plated bases. Did I misunderstand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 2 hours ago, sftamx1 said: Terry, just going by what you said. J11 that you recommended are a replacement # Champion plug with brite plated bases. Did I misunderstand? Yes. Original J11s for that car are blued. Modern J-11s are cad and that finish would be incorrect. AACA judging guidelines should be referenced if the car will be shown in an AACA class judging category. If not, it probably doesn't matter. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 1, 2022 Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 18 minutes ago, Terry Bond said: Yes. Original J11s for that car are blued. Modern J-11s are cad and that finish would be incorrect. AACA judging guidelines should be referenced if the car will be shown in an AACA class judging category. If not, it probably doesn't matter. Terry Thanks Terry. Where would i find a set of the originaI style plugs? I am going for my First Junior this time out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 9 hours ago, TAKerry said: Just for the sake of argument, I see a couple of nuts that looked clapped out but what is wrong with the studs? Look a bit closer, they differ in length and one has a different thread pitch than the others. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 18 hours ago, sftamx1 said: Thanks Terry. Where would i find a set of the originaI style plugs? I am going for my First Junior this time out. Where will you be showing your car next? If time is a problem for you then certainly follow previous advice and color the cad plated replacement plugs. A quick coat of satin black paint will work on them. You may have to roughen up the plugs first with a little sandpaper (carefully) A black permanent sharpie works well also to get them to the proper color. Judging guidelines can be found on the AACA Home Page. You can also attend a judging school at one of our meets to learn more. As for sources of original style plugs, there are many. Ebay is an excellent source. You may have to keep looking over a period of time to build a set, or you can contact one of the many dealers who list items to let them know what you are looking for. They should not be expensive. There are other plug dealers who have already been mentioned, and a quick google search for antique spark plugs might be productive for you. Hershey is an ideal opportunity as there are lots of vendors who will have plugs for sale. This is in addition to those listed as spark plug specialists in the director of vendors. It's the worlds biggest treasure hunt. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 2, 2022 Author Share Posted July 2, 2022 38 minutes ago, Terry Bond said: Where will you be showing your car next? If time is a problem for you then certainly follow previous advice and color the cad plated replacement plugs. A quick coat of satin black paint will work on them. You may have to roughen up the plugs first with a little sandpaper (carefully) A black permanent sharpie works well also to get them to the proper color. Judging guidelines can be found on the AACA Home Page. You can also attend a judging school at one of our meets to learn more. As for sources of original style plugs, there are many. Ebay is an excellent source. You may have to keep looking over a period of time to build a set, or you can contact one of the many dealers who list items to let them know what you are looking for. They should not be expensive. There are other plug dealers who have already been mentioned, and a quick google search for antique spark plugs might be productive for you. Hershey is an ideal opportunity as there are lots of vendors who will have plugs for sale. This is in addition to those listed as spark plug specialists in the director of vendors. It's the worlds biggest treasure hunt. Terry 19 hours ago, Terry Bond said: Thanks Terry, I plan to show it at Hershey. Any idea for the correct plug wires? Were they still using color coded fabric for the wires? Here's a pic of my rebuilt engine as it sits, hopefully the studs and nuts look correct lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 You'll need do do your research to answer that question. I'm not a Hudson expert but can tell you there were a lot different plug connector and wire combinations in use at the time. Have you got any input from HET club resources yet?. Perhaps someone here on the forum can provide info, but remember it's factory documentation that should be your guide. Not just someone's opinion on what looks good. Terry 23 hours ago, sftamx1 said: Terry, just going by what you said. J11 that you recommended are a replacement # Champion plug with brite plated bases. Did I misunderstand? Yes. Original J11s for that car are blued. Modern J-11s are cad and that finish would be incorrect. AACA judging guidelines should be referenced if the car will be shown in an AACA class judging category. If not, it probably doesn't matter. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 2, 2022 Author Share Posted July 2, 2022 The Hudson club has no judging. I could find no documentation for 1933 Terraplane info that I need, other than carb #s, etc. I know that NO plug wires that year had rubber boots and neoprene.... I'll just go with your suggestions and use what other cars of that era used. I need to find an old style fan belt also. I'm sure I'll learn as I go. Thanks Terry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted July 3, 2022 Share Posted July 3, 2022 The AACA Library and Research Center probably has a good selection of original Hudson literature. What you are looking for is an original sales catalog or brochure that shows engine detail. Another item to look for might be an original parts catalog or listing. Whether the Hudson club has judging or not is really not relevant - it's the original literature that will be your source of information and is the kind of documentation needed to correctly restore the car. Period correct items are probably a good idea if you can't find anything else. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sftamx1 Posted July 3, 2022 Author Share Posted July 3, 2022 I'm quite sure I have every bit of original literature, mostly artist renderings with no detail at all of the engine. Nothing with actual photography. I have all the parts and body books as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1 Posted July 3, 2022 Share Posted July 3, 2022 I am working on determining the period correct spark plugs for my Hudson built vehicles. From my searching it appears to me Hudson primarily used AC spark Plugs for some time starting about 1927 when switching from Bosch starters/generators to AC as supplier. ////////////////////////// AC specification chart of 1924 to 1942 has all Terraplane 1932-33 AC46 or Titan 3 ////////////////////// Later AC Chart spark plug listing shows Passenger cars 1924 -1946. Terraplane 32-33 AC46 or Titan 2 ////////////// AC Heat range chart of the LINE PRIOR TO 1937. ( AC 46 Equal to K-9, KL-9, K-10. earlier plug numbers) AC listing showes K9, K9l and K10 equak to AC KK ////////////////////////// ANOTHER LISTING shows Terraplane 1932-33 all regular heads OLD PLUG J-7 new PLUG J-8 Terraplane 1932-33 all aluminum heads OLD PLUG J-9 ( long reach ) NEW PLUG H-10. ///////////////////////// 1949 Champion heat range chart, new number J-11 formaly J-5 //////////////////////////// A Champion cross reference showes AC46, C46 equal to Champion J11 ( apparently a much later plug ) /////////////////// Oldest listing has Terraplane 1932 -33 using K9 with KK noted as a universal line of plugs. Result for likely period correct spark plug likely may mean looking for K series K9, K9l (long) or K10 spark plug. Or. plug KK ///////////////////////// In addition, there is info on Essex wires for 1929 being 10mm dia, rubber coated spark plug wire, no cloth covering. I was able to obtain 9mm wireing at Hershey several years ago. /////////////// I hope this is helpful Hans 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted July 3, 2022 Share Posted July 3, 2022 Yes, AC's K series (and similar numbers) were made through 1936, and AC-45, AC-46 etc. began in 1937. Doesn't the shop manual specify a spark plug? It would be pretty weird for them not to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1 Posted July 3, 2022 Share Posted July 3, 2022 1930 ESSEX LISTS SPARK PLUG AS G 10. MANY OTHERS DO NOT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlespetty Posted July 4, 2022 Share Posted July 4, 2022 1933 Motor's Handbook also shows AC K9 plugs as original equipment. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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