Distributor question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 657
From: Blairsville , Georgia
Distributor question
What is the value of a straight axle dual point tach drive distributor? It has its tag on it but I have it packed away and don't remember the number.
Thanks
Jay
Thanks
Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5,114
Likes: 1,609
From: Nor- Cal
I would try to contact Don Backer . His main business is restoring distributers. My contact info for him does not have his new phone number. Hopefully a member here will see the post and update us. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Going from (aging) memory here.....
Prior to '62, all dual point distributors were "891" models, notable for NOT having windows in the distributor caps for adjusting point dwell. You adjust points with two screwdrivers and a feeler gauge. A PITA, IMHO. Unless you need that distributor for the numbers, I'd put its value very low.
In 1962, a one-year-only dual point distributor, possibly an "895" model?, was used. This distributor takes a two window D-324 distributor cap which allows dwell to be set with a meter on a running engine. If you need a dual point distributor, this is the one to have. The D324 caps, however, may be hard to find. I don't believe they are being reproduced.
Prior to '62, all dual point distributors were "891" models, notable for NOT having windows in the distributor caps for adjusting point dwell. You adjust points with two screwdrivers and a feeler gauge. A PITA, IMHO. Unless you need that distributor for the numbers, I'd put its value very low.
In 1962, a one-year-only dual point distributor, possibly an "895" model?, was used. This distributor takes a two window D-324 distributor cap which allows dwell to be set with a meter on a running engine. If you need a dual point distributor, this is the one to have. The D324 caps, however, may be hard to find. I don't believe they are being reproduced.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: northern california
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Wait...... I just re-read your original post and realized that you said this dual point distributor also has a tach drive. That makes it the one-year-only, 1962, "895" distributor.... a very good piece.
Don't throw it away!
Don't throw it away!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 657
From: Blairsville , Georgia
Thanks
Jay
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Burning Brakes
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Going from (aging) memory here.....
Prior to '62, all dual point distributors were "891" models, notable for NOT having windows in the distributor caps for adjusting point dwell. You adjust points with two screwdrivers and a feeler gauge. A PITA, IMHO. Unless you need that distributor for the numbers, I'd put its value very low.
In 1962, a one-year-only dual point distributor, possibly an "895" model?, was used. This distributor takes a two window D-324 distributor cap which allows dwell to be set with a meter on a running engine. If you need a dual point distributor, this is the one to have. The D324 caps, however, may be hard to find. I don't believe they are being reproduced.
Prior to '62, all dual point distributors were "891" models, notable for NOT having windows in the distributor caps for adjusting point dwell. You adjust points with two screwdrivers and a feeler gauge. A PITA, IMHO. Unless you need that distributor for the numbers, I'd put its value very low.
In 1962, a one-year-only dual point distributor, possibly an "895" model?, was used. This distributor takes a two window D-324 distributor cap which allows dwell to be set with a meter on a running engine. If you need a dual point distributor, this is the one to have. The D324 caps, however, may be hard to find. I don't believe they are being reproduced.
I obviously have the wrong cap.
I always wondered how one would set the rear set of points with the engine running.
As per your suggestion Jim, I only re-installed one set of points so ithelack of rear window is not critical.
I toyed with the idea of installing that second set of points "just because I could," but the car runs so well it seems pointless.
Anyway, thanks for the tip thought. I might search out a proper cap.
Thanks again.
Eddie
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From: northern california
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A-HA! This explains why my ditributor cap has only ONE window. One at the front, none at the back.
I obviously have the wrong cap.
I always wondered how one would set the rear set of points with the engine running.
As per your suggestion Jim, I only re-installed one set of points so ithelack of rear window is not critical.
I toyed with the idea of installing that second set of points "just because I could," but the car runs so well it seems pointless.
Anyway, thanks for the tip thought. I might search out a proper cap.
Thanks again.
Eddie
I obviously have the wrong cap.
I always wondered how one would set the rear set of points with the engine running.
As per your suggestion Jim, I only re-installed one set of points so ithelack of rear window is not critical.
I toyed with the idea of installing that second set of points "just because I could," but the car runs so well it seems pointless.
Anyway, thanks for the tip thought. I might search out a proper cap.
Thanks again.
Eddie
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Houston Texas
Race Director
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Gm distributors close one set of points and, after a few degrees of rotation, close the second set. Then the first set opens and a few degrees later the second set opens.
To operate a distributor on a single point set, disable the set which closes first and opens first. Then set the dwell to normal specs for a single point distributor.
I have no idea how to modify a "dizzy".
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Houston Texas
Any dual point distributor can be operated as a single point distributor.
Gm distributors close one set of points and, after a few degrees of rotation, close the second set. Then the first set opens and a few degrees later the second set opens.
To operate a distributor on a single point set, disable the set which closes first and opens first. Then set the dwell to normal specs for a single point distributor.
I have no idea how to modify a "dizzy".
Gm distributors close one set of points and, after a few degrees of rotation, close the second set. Then the first set opens and a few degrees later the second set opens.
To operate a distributor on a single point set, disable the set which closes first and opens first. Then set the dwell to normal specs for a single point distributor.
I have no idea how to modify a "dizzy".
I just took out the rear set of points and connected everything to the front that is accessible from the window. I still can't get the dwell below 37, so I either need to get some '62 points to work with the 985 or just go back to a Vacuum distributor.
Also, another member referenced a distributor as a "dizzy", so I thought you guys adopted some new vernacular while I was away for a few years
Race Director
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From: northern california
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From '57 thru '74 all Chebby distributors with window caps use the same points. There is no such thing as "'62" points.
In later years there was a combination condenser/points, "Uniset", that was supposed to be compatible with window cap distributors. I have no experience with these but I hear rumors the Uniset are to be avoided.
In later years there was a combination condenser/points, "Uniset", that was supposed to be compatible with window cap distributors. I have no experience with these but I hear rumors the Uniset are to be avoided.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Houston Texas
From '57 thru '74 all Chebby distributors with window caps use the same points. There is no such thing as "'62" points.
In later years there was a combination condenser/points, "Uniset", that was supposed to be compatible with window cap distributors. I have no experience with these but I hear rumors the Uniset are to be avoided.
In later years there was a combination condenser/points, "Uniset", that was supposed to be compatible with window cap distributors. I have no experience with these but I hear rumors the Uniset are to be avoided.
I’ll give it another shot.