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Technical Help with 59ab dist install

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by exc400, Feb 21, 2023.

  1. exc400
    Joined: Jan 2, 2015
    Posts: 24

    exc400

    Gents, tried to post earlier but not sure it went in. I’m building 32 framed fenderless hot rod, 46 rear, 39 trans, 40 front axle, have it rolling now, about to try and fire the engine (59ab) , it’s “supposed” to run good. It was abate engine so I have rounded up carb, fuel pump, distributor, etc from a 59 I already had. But points, condenser and crab cap conversion and timed it per Vanpelt guide. I have the #1 post at tdc, when I install the distributor, do I just rotate it till it mates with the slot in the cam? Will the rotor then be pointing to wher #1 plug wire will go? Thanks in advance, Wayne
     
  2. exc400
    Joined: Jan 2, 2015
    Posts: 24

    exc400

    Should have been Bare engine. Dang spell check
     
  3. Model A Gomez
    Joined: Aug 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,806

    Model A Gomez
    Member

    The tang on the distributor is slightly offset as is the notch on the cam and will only fit one way.
     
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,361

    alchemy
    Member

    And, you do know that a flathead Ford's number 1 is the front right, right?
     
    LOU WELLS and Desoto291Hemi like this.
  5. 38bill
    Joined: Dec 20, 2019
    Posts: 175

    38bill
    Member
    from Minnesota

    The safe, easy way to mount your front mount dist is to cut the heads off a couple of bolts to make studs that fit the dist mounting holes and screw them in. Then slide the dist on the cut off bolts/studs and gently turn the rotor until the shaft meshes with the offset tang. Then replace the studs one at a time. Makes it basically impossible to get it clocked wrong.
     
    warbird1 and rusty valley like this.
  6. exc400
    Joined: Jan 2, 2015
    Posts: 24

    exc400

    Thanks to all who responded. Sounds like I’m on the right track here, just wanted to make sure. Thanks again! Will let you all know when it runs.
     

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