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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1951 235 chevy inline 6 distributor

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Expert: - 2/28/2008


Question
I recently purchased a classic 1951 Chevy that has a converted to electronic distributor. It quit working and I want to convert it back to a stock unit. Stock would be 6 volts and the ignition has been converted to 12 volts. Will I be able to go back or must I keep it electronic?

Answer
I am not a big fan of these 12 volt conversions. You can do it and keep the 12 volt system. Latch onto a 12 volt universal coil that is made to run with an external resistor. These were used on Ford, Mopar, and GM cars in the late 50's and 60's. Then ad a resistor like the one used on late 50's and 60's GM cars into the wiring between the coil and the ignition switch. I have also installed a relay, like a fuel pump relay on a late model car, to deliver 12 volts to the coil during cranking and only during cranking to make the car easier to start. Good luck.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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