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Technical Flathead Crab Distributor Rotor Question

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Xtrom, Feb 20, 2014.

  1. Xtrom
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 1,029

    Xtrom
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Forman, ND

    I have 2 bolt distributor that came off a 59AB engine. I'm ***uming 46-48 because it has the two piece cap. I purchased a crab style cap and the rotor I had been using would not clear. So I purchased a Mallory PN 318. Which is for a 5/8" shaft... And my shaft appears to be 3/8". Before I go ordering any more incorrect parts that I can't return. Tell me. With my 46-48 2 bolt distributor can I use the 42-44 cap and rotor? I was thinking Ford PNs 21A-12106(cap) and 21A-12200(rotor). I already have the cap on and it fits and the new wires are all made up. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Product Image
    Distributor Rotor NAPA
    Part Number: ECH FA64
    Product Line: Echlin Ignition
    1942 Ford Super Deluxe
     
  3. GMC BUBBA
    Joined: Jun 15, 2006
    Posts: 3,420

    GMC BUBBA
    Member Emeritus

    AND belt sand just a bit off the rotor tip to prevent hitting the new napa cap.....
     
  4. 3quarter32
    Joined: Dec 10, 2010
    Posts: 637

    3quarter32
    Member

    x2 on the sanding of the tip. Ask me how I know, and how to put out a fire when it hits and backfires through the carb.
     
  5. 48-760
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 155

    48-760
    Member
    from OH

    If you had the larger bail to hold the caps on it has to be changed to the clips to retain the crab cap. Many of the repop vendors sell the clips.
     
  6. Xtrom
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 1,029

    Xtrom
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Forman, ND

    When Bubba rebuilt my distributor he sent it back with both the clip and the tabs so the cap mounts up fine. Just wanted to make sure I got the right rotor coming. Thanks again guys.
     
  7. DICK SPADARO
    Joined: Jun 6, 2005
    Posts: 1,887

    DICK SPADARO
    Member Emeritus

    The issue is with the choice of rotors a mallory crab rotor is not the same size as a ford crab rotor. When in doubt purchase the stock part for the stock item. There is a difference between the 42 rotor and cap as it is a one year only rotor/cap vs the 46-48 rotor/cap even thought the bodies are interchangeable. Here is a comparison the 42 is at the top and about 1/4" longer, the 46-8 is bottom. The price of a stock 42 rotor is like $7.00 most places...
     

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  8. Xtrom
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 1,029

    Xtrom
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Forman, ND

    So with a 42 style cap on my 46-48 distributor I should use the 42 rotor correct?
     
  9. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Yes...and be sure to specify V8. The parts stores also list the 6-cylinder version, which can't work with the V8 cap.
     

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