Topic: Best way to assemble wires in conduit


murphy1936    -- 12-24-2013 @ 4:11 PM
  Is there a best way to put these through the tubes? Should it be done I think before assembly of conduit to engine. ?. I expect to get the conduit next week. New member, learning from you guys . Merry Christmas

Super Deluxe 41


Old Henry    -- 12-24-2013 @ 4:30 PM
  Oops. I missed the year of your vehicle. My post was about my vehicle that I thought was the same as yours so disregard my previous answer that this replaces.

Old Henry
(The older I get, the better old looks.)

This message was edited by Old Henry on 12-25-13 @ 12:24 AM


kubes40    -- 12-24-2013 @ 5:39 PM
  Actually and unlike what Oldhenry says, your wires are color coded and you have two external and two internal caps. The internal caps are often referred to as terminal plates.
I'd suggest you route the wires, one at a time, through the "outlets" of the conduit and through the end that will terminate at the cap(s). It's easiest to start with the one furthest away from the cap end. Once you have all four wires through the conduit, place them through a rubber insulating boot and then through the outer distributor cap.
Now comes the fun part...
You will notice there are numbers cast upon the inner terminal plate(s). Those numbers specify which wire goes in to that particular "socket".
Be certain you understand that #1 through #4 is on the right side of the car and #5 through #8 are on the left. #1 and #5 are the foremost plugs.
Also, be certain the terminal plate is orientated correctly so as to fit the distributor housing correctly. There is a "key" that places that inner cap 180° opposite of one another.
Attempt to feed the wires through the outer cap(s) in such a way so as to eliminate any wires "crossing over" one another. It's a tight fit in those outer caps.
Once you have inserted the wires in to the appropriate "sockets" of the terminal plate,I'd suggest grasping each one with a narrow pliers and be 100% certain the wires have been seated all the way.
Moving on...
Install the cork gasket over the outer cap and while pushing the inner and outer caps together you may need to gently pull the opposite ends of the wires to eliminate the "slack".
Once you have the two caps mated to one another with that cork gasket between the outer cap and terminal plate, a small rubber "O" ring is placed over the center "stud" of the outer cap, thus holding the inner and outer caps as an assembly.
A couple of hints:
One) Be certain your terminal plates actually fit your distributor housing. You may have to grind / file the outer diameter of the terminal plate to fit.
Two) Once you have both conduits, caps and terminal plates assembled, check each wire end to the respective terminal on the inner plate. Be 100% certain you have maintained continuity. It's too easy for one of those wires to dislodge when assembling. Best to find that out now, prior to installing the assembly to your engine. This also allows a "double check" to be certain you have installed the wires in the correct "socket".
Three) But GOOD wires. The ones from Mac's, etc. are pretty much cr*p. Vintique's are total junk. I'd suggest getting them from Roy Nacewicz. They are properly lacquered and have the proper ends. High quality...
Four) As a self proclaimed "new guy" you'll soon learn who you can comfortably rely upon for advice and who you can't. Supereal is one heck of a sharp guy and is always willing to help out. Deuceroadster is another very smart and helpful fellow. Also, TomO and Trjford8 are always willing to help out with meaningful advice.
OldHenry, well, I think he means well but more often than not, either does not understand the question or simply does not know the answer.
Bottom line... be careful who you listen do prior to spending a lot of effort and / or money on your project(s).
If I can be of further help, do not hesitate to ask. I most often can send photos showing details and am more than willing to "walk you through" any process.
Kind regards and Merry Christmas!
Mike "Kube" Kubarth





Old Henry    -- 12-25-2013 @ 12:27 AM
  Kube is right. Thanks for the correction. I was talking about 46-48, not your '41.

Even among the "experts" that Kube listed you will often see totally opposing views on things. So, you ultimately have to actually think it through and make a decision rather than just relying on who said it.

Fortunately, Kube is always vigilant in correcting any of my mistakes (which I gratefully acknowledge). So, if he doesn't do so, my advice must be correct.

Old Henry
(The older I get, the better old looks.)

This message was edited by Old Henry on 12-26-13 @ 7:42 AM


woodiewagon46    -- 12-25-2013 @ 7:26 AM
  If I may add to kubes40s excellent advice, I also did the wires one at a time but before I pulled out each wire I taped a "pull line" of strong twine to the end of the wire. When I was ready to install the new wire I taped the pull line to it and used "pulling compound" to lube the wire and help it travel through the conduit. Pulling compound can be obtained at any electrical supply or good hardware store.


murphy1936    -- 12-25-2013 @ 8:40 AM
  Mike, you have no idea how much I appreciate your instructions, I feel much more confident about the situation then I did before. Thanks also Henry, good effort and Woodiewagan46, that compound idea and twine sounds great Ill pick some of that up after Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A HEALTHY ONE IN 2014 John

Super Deluxe 41


murphy1936    -- 12-25-2013 @ 9:25 AM
  mike, how can I get in touch with Roy NACEWICZ to order the wires please, JOHN

Super Deluxe 41

This message was edited by murphy1936 on 12-25-13 @ 9:34 AM


Old Henry    -- 12-25-2013 @ 9:53 AM
  Roy's contact information and website is here: http://fordscript.com/ford_bolts/contact.html

Phone 734-654-9450

Old Henry
(The older I get, the better old looks.)


Old Henry    -- 12-25-2013 @ 5:52 PM
  If a diagram of your distributor would be helpful here is one.

Old Henry
(The older I get, the better old looks.)


murphy1936    -- 12-25-2013 @ 9:43 PM
  Thanks Henry appreciate tel number will call tomorrow appreciate John

Super Deluxe 41


supereal    -- 12-26-2013 @ 8:44 PM
  Thanks, Mike, and the others who have sent along greetings. The often hard won advice given here is intended to help others face unfamiliar problems many of us old hands have faced. The hobby is supposed to be fun, and I hope others, particular newcomers, will keep this Forum alive.


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