Distributor Break Plate - Source needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 145
Likes: 17
From: Centerton, AR
Distributor Breaker Plate - Source needed
So the electronic ignition kit that was on the car came apart. I don't know if it was Bubba's fault, but considering the only electrical mod I've made is installing Detroit Speed headlight motors, I'm blaming him.
The pic is the aftermath. I'd be curious to know if anyone has seen something like this before.
In any case, I got a new kit to replace the damaged one, but one of the other casualties was the distributor breaker plate. It got bent pretty badly when things came apart.
I am having a tough time finding a source. The only place I've found is back ordered for at least two weeks.
I may get out the hammer, and try to straighten it, but I'd like to replace it if possible.
Does anyone have any ideas?
If it's not a forum vendor, please pm rather than post.
Thanks!
John
The pic is the aftermath. I'd be curious to know if anyone has seen something like this before.
In any case, I got a new kit to replace the damaged one, but one of the other casualties was the distributor breaker plate. It got bent pretty badly when things came apart.
I am having a tough time finding a source. The only place I've found is back ordered for at least two weeks.
I may get out the hammer, and try to straighten it, but I'd like to replace it if possible.
Does anyone have any ideas?
If it's not a forum vendor, please pm rather than post.
Thanks!
John
Last edited by jkinton; Feb 4, 2015 at 08:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 145
Likes: 17
From: Centerton, AR
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 4
From: Albuquerque Resistance is not futile. It's voltage divided by current.
Find a used distributor
If you are still running your stock Vette dist, a breaker plate from a stock chevy, non Corvette point dist MAY fit. I would think you could find one for about $15 bucks.
But then it is 2015, and you cant just run down to the corner gas station and look in their pile of stuff in the back room!
That's my idea, sorry if it doesn't help.
Cheers, Gary
Just saw the pics of the breaker plate, just clean it up, make it flat, and make sure the screw fits. You took the Dist out and apart, you can fix the plate! Go for it!
But then it is 2015, and you cant just run down to the corner gas station and look in their pile of stuff in the back room!
That's my idea, sorry if it doesn't help.
Cheers, Gary
Just saw the pics of the breaker plate, just clean it up, make it flat, and make sure the screw fits. You took the Dist out and apart, you can fix the plate! Go for it!
Last edited by troutster71; Feb 4, 2015 at 09:14 PM. Reason: saw pics
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,637
Likes: 3,584
From: NorCal
Try Dave Fiedler; he restores and converts distributors for a living and is an NCRS member:
http://tispecialty.com/
He completely rebuilt my stock 67 Vette distributor.
http://tispecialty.com/
He completely rebuilt my stock 67 Vette distributor.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 145
Likes: 17
From: Centerton, AR
If you are still running your stock Vette dist, a breaker plate from a stock chevy, non Corvette point dist MAY fit. I would think you could find one for about $15 bucks.
But then it is 2015, and you cant just run down to the corner gas station and look in their pile of stuff in the back room!
That's my idea, sorry if it doesn't help.
Cheers, Gary
Just saw the pics of the breaker plate, just clean it up, make it flat, and make sure the screw fits. You took the Dist out and apart, you can fix the plate! Go for it!
But then it is 2015, and you cant just run down to the corner gas station and look in their pile of stuff in the back room!
That's my idea, sorry if it doesn't help.
Cheers, Gary
Just saw the pics of the breaker plate, just clean it up, make it flat, and make sure the screw fits. You took the Dist out and apart, you can fix the plate! Go for it!
I also think using a breaker plate from another GM vehicle would work. But even when I do broad searches at the various auto parts supplier websites under "distributor parts", I'm not finding anything that looks right.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 145
Likes: 17
From: Centerton, AR
Try Dave Fiedler; he restores and converts distributors for a living and is an NCRS member:
http://tispecialty.com/
He completely rebuilt my stock 67 Vette distributor.
http://tispecialty.com/
He completely rebuilt my stock 67 Vette distributor.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,274
Likes: 2,136
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
I'm probably going to try to fix this one. I'm less worried about getting the tang flat than I am in getting that cylindrical flange round again.
I also think using a breaker plate from another GM vehicle would work. But even when I do broad searches at the various auto parts supplier websites under "distributor parts", I'm not finding anything that looks right.
I also think using a breaker plate from another GM vehicle would work. But even when I do broad searches at the various auto parts supplier websites under "distributor parts", I'm not finding anything that looks right.
Larry
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
No, I've never seen a Pertronix conversion cause damage like that. I don't see how it grenaded your distributor unless the module came loose - even then that breaker plate damage seems excessive in that case. I did have my rotor screws come loose once and knock the side out of my cap and I managed to limp home with only an occasional "miss".
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
That's a common breaker plate used in all Chevy V8 distributors from '58 up through and probably way past the early '70's.
I can't tell where yours is bent but if it affects locating the breaker points or the movement of the vacuum advance, I wouldn't recommend it.
I can't tell where yours is bent but if it affects locating the breaker points or the movement of the vacuum advance, I wouldn't recommend it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,797
Likes: 239
From: Ocean Township NJ
Pertronix II is a great system, but I don't like the design of the rotating pole piece. If you have one of these installed, you had better be sure that your shaft end play is not more than about .015", otherwise the result can be much like a hard disc crash on a computer. If end play is excessive, the rotating pole piece will eventually drop down and rub on the pickup which will lead to eventual failure.
If you don't need the high voltage cacability of the Pertronix trigger, then the M & H (Breakerless SE) is MUCH more robust. If you need the high voltage capability, then use the Pertronix III which is a much better design.
BTW, that breaker plate can be easily straightened. The annulus around the shaft is not as critical as the points mount. Be sure to braze the ground wire back in place.
If you don't need the high voltage cacability of the Pertronix trigger, then the M & H (Breakerless SE) is MUCH more robust. If you need the high voltage capability, then use the Pertronix III which is a much better design.
BTW, that breaker plate can be easily straightened. The annulus around the shaft is not as critical as the points mount. Be sure to braze the ground wire back in place.
Last edited by 65tripleblack; Feb 5, 2015 at 02:04 PM.
