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Technical Sun Machine

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Crestliner, Mar 3, 2026.

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  1. Crestliner
    Joined: Dec 31, 2002
    Posts: 3,038

    Crestliner
    Member

    I found a nice sun distributor machine with flathead attachments. Can anyone tell the going price for them?
     
    tractorguy and chryslerfan55 like this.
  2. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 41,121

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    which model dist machine? I have a 504. some of the earlier ones need D size flashlight batteries to operate, I would steer clear of those. Some of the real early ones use a 6 v car battery, steer clear of that too. image.jpg
     
  3. 1930artdeco
    Joined: Oct 25, 2011
    Posts: 786

    1930artdeco
    Member
    from Lynden, Wa

    The flat head adapter generally goes for about $300 by itself. Plan on $500 range (or over 1K if it is man cave art that is gold plated with diamond letters) if it is working-a little less if not.
     
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  4. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 36,506

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    One thing to be careful of a Sun Distributor machine is the condition of the wiring. I think it was a 504 or very close to that model that was in the high school auto shop I taught in. That unit was in good shape as it didn't get used very hard although I am pretty sure that I used it when I was in auto mechanics cl*** in same school.
     
  5. 1930artdeco
    Joined: Oct 25, 2011
    Posts: 786

    1930artdeco
    Member
    from Lynden, Wa

    The nice thing is that Paramount has the parts for these-even mine which is a mid 50's version.
     
  6. Hotwyr
    Joined: Apr 20, 2008
    Posts: 228

    Hotwyr
    Member

    I paid $300 for mine a couple years ago. Worked ok but needed a good cleaning. No cabinet or flathead adapter but I did get the electronic ignition module.
     
  7. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 4,574

    Ziggster
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Paid $200 for an Allen cabinet style machine in 2020. It basically worked. Tach was non-functional, and so was one of the strobes, but actually used it last year to dial in my helmet style distributor. Picked up another Allen cabinet style one last year for CAN$400 IIRC, but haven’t gotten around to checking it out. Also came with a bunch of manuals and two other potable meters.
    As mentioned, if you have a fixture for the early Ford flathead distributors, they can go for US$300 and up.
     
  8. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 6,085

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    If you find the machine here is an adapter. Not mine and no knowledge about it.


    https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...4639aa-7374-4fca-8314-66c4c0a2e4ee&__tn__=!:D



    SUN Distributor Machine FLATHEAD FORD 2-195 Adapter. This adapter lets you mount & test early Ford Flathead ignitions on a later Sun distributor machine. Might also fit other testers. Seems to be in nice condition. Please look at all pics. Price $195 plus shipping. PayPal ok. Located in Santa Fe Springs CA.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. uncle buck
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 2,166

    uncle buck
    Member

    Does your condenser meter work and have you used that feature?
     
  10. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 41,121

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    yes it works and I do use it
     
    uncle buck likes this.
  11. Pontmerc
    Joined: Jul 13, 2013
    Posts: 463

    Pontmerc
    Member
    from Finland

    Use external 12v battery as a voltage source and you can test breakerless distributors with hei module. Sun 504 will work with hei tach terminal.
     
  12. Crestliner
    Joined: Dec 31, 2002
    Posts: 3,038

    Crestliner
    Member

    Found it to be model 680, is it good machine?
    What’s its value?
     
  13. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 41,121

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    pictures?
     
  14. '51 Norm
    Joined: Dec 6, 2010
    Posts: 886

    '51 Norm
    Member
    from colorado

    4 years ago I paid $200 for my 504 with the electronic adapter. It isn't all cleaned up and shiny but everything works. And it came with the manual; which I needed since I had last used one 50 odd years ago.
    I last used it about 6 months ago to test a Pontiac distributor with a Pertronix conversion.
     
    Ziggster likes this.

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