Pertronix UpGrade for 53

[Rattpac]

My cars a driver and I am thinking about installing a Pertronix electronic ignition in my 53 Clipper but have run across a stumbling block. Pertronix lists for 50-54 Packard but only on Autolite equipped distributors. I think the Autolites only came on the 9 main bearing engines like the Patricians, I have two 1953 and one 1954 engines and all three sport the Delco distribs.

Has anyone completed this conversion?

[bernardi]

Call Pertronix and tell them what car and distributor you want their unit for. Last week I bought one for a 55 400 with the Delco distributor. It was not listed in their catalog, but the customer service folks took care of me. My car has been converted to negative ground. Better inquire if you must change to negative from positive ground. Have the number on the metal tag on the distributor body handy when you call.

[Rattpac]

Thanks for the reply,

That may be the best thing to do, I could even send them the entire distributor if necessary. Car has been converted to 12 volts negative ground some years back, but while were on the subject know anything on the effects on the radio? when I obtained the car it was 6 volt positive, changed it over to 12 volt, pulled the radio and sent it to the shop for a 12 volt conversion but never told them that the car had been a positive ground car. Worked for a while but I think some kind of vibrator is out now.

[bernardi]

I have many fields of ignorance. Radios, 6 volt, 12 volt or 110AC are amont them. Sorry.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

The Pertronix unit should have No effect on the radio reception or noise. There is no electrical arcing with that unit, like there is with points.

A 12.Volt tube type radio will work with both positive and negative ground systems, as long as it has the original type vibrator. If it has a new solid-state type vibrator then it will only work with negative ground. (I don't think anyone is making a positive ground type)

Good original mechanical type vibrators are getting very hard to find, so they probably used a solid-state type, if it was repaired and converted. If it made a buzzing sound while warming up, when it worked, then it has the original type. If not then it has the solid-state (or transistor) type.

[52deluxe]

i bought the vibrator for my 52 from these people clicky i have done alot of business with them over the years and always pleased. they make both 12v/6v positive and negative ground solid state vibrators. at 30 bucks a pop not to bad in price really compaired to finding a working original.

tom

[Rattpac]

Radio was serviced by an old time shop that has since faded away with time. They had lots of old original parts so probably not solid state could have even been used. I would like to try a transistorized unit, I figure thats probably why there's nothing coming over the speaker when it fires up ...dead silence.

[Guest Albert]

before replacing the viburator they recomend replaceing the damper capactor, which is right under the OZ4 tube a .006mf 1600v capactor. I normally use 2 .003mf 2kv in it place as i find them easier to find.

[Clipper47]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">before replacing the viburator they recomend replaceing the damper capactor, which is right under the OZ4 tube a .006mf 1600v capactor. I normally use 2 .003mf 2kv in it place as i find them easier to find. </div></div>

I have a new electronic vibrator for my 47 Packard radio as well but have been nervous about instaling it without first checking the damper capacitor. Now that I know which one it is I will have it replaced. thanks Albert

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I used a solid-state vibrator in one of my '56 radios, without changing any capacitors, and it worked Fine. As long as the original filter capacitors are in good condition, I don't see why you would need to change them. I did change it back to an original type vibrator, when I found some, for Effect, tho. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It's just not Original without the radio Buzz. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think some Vendor started that Rumor, to sell some capacitors. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Of course, Good filtering is always a Good thing if your after modern quality sound. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Albert]

I have repaired quit a few radios, and have found that capactor shorting out when the radio warms up, this causes the viburator to have to put out more current for the radio, sometimes even the wax has melted off the outside.. besides replacing all the wax paper caps only cost about $10..

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Oh okay, Yes you definitely want to replace any components that are defective or look like they may Soon be defective. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I just don't agree with the vendors indicating that those capacitors always need replacing when going to solid-state vibrator. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Since there is less current when using the solid-state unit than there is with the original vibrator.

[Rattpac]

I think I will pull the radio and try tinkering on it on the bench. When I get her pulled apart I will ask more questions I'm sure. Thanks for the help

Gary