The electronic conversion kit I’m referring to is the Mallory E-Spark. Most people in my club have or are planning to replace their mechanical point systems, and I’m sure they are not alone. Mechanical ignition systems are of another time, as demand for points, condensers etc diminishes they will eventually disappear, it’s just a matter of time.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

I had a couple of condenser failures on the TBird. So on my last trip to the USA I got some condensers from NAPA. I couldn't find anything made in the USA. The condensers I got are made in Mexico and have been good so far. My impression of Mexican stuff, not just car parts, is it seems to be a cut above the Asian stuff. Exclude Japan from that comment, as Japan still seems to make good quality items.
Talking about non-resister wires. I had a stout 454 BBC in a hatchback Torana(Look it up) that had solid core wires and a 7AL2 ignition. I never got to see it as I was in the car every time, but my mother would tell me how the TV would go haywire when I drove down past the house to the garage. 35 years ago that was a wild street car over here.

I found the same lack of service availability, re our 2009 Ford Taurus X, when I went to our local dealer when the car was just over 10 yrs. Part dep't infomed me that the Heater/ AC switch panel was not longer available.. Only suggestion was to go to a Salvage Yard..  Apparently, these wonderful expensive higher tech vehicles when new, are just a right off when they reach 10yrs old..  Great!!


Paul

I have used MSD and before that Jacobs ignition boxes point triggered and Petronix triggered the only failure was wear on the point block to the point that the points didn’t open. Quick turn of a screw and going again and improved any engine I used the setups on. Go for it!

Mike, still lovin his 57 t'bird after 53 years!

I would think having two electrical component failure/strandings would make you MORE likely to favor mechanical systems, not less.  What will you do if the digital conversion kit fails also? Do you carry a spare distributor?
BTW: I assume my Mallory Dual Point will operate just as well using standard-type condensers (?).  I have a bag of old NOS/US-made cylindrical ones, and have selected out the ones with the closest spec. values to carry along for spares.


6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I have a late model Mallory dual point distributor in my 55, 12 volt. I had a new ballast resistor from a T-Bird parts dealer and a Mallory condenser. With only a handful of miles on the resistor it blew out while on the highway, backfiring the like I never thought possible. Fast forward to another road trip this time the condenser dies, engine wants to die, I’m on a highway in traffic. Bottom line new resisters and condensers are made in Asia, they are junk.
I had an MSD 6A installed which replaced both the resistor and condenser and felt like it added another cylinder. Also with the MSD dwell angle becomes obsolete and for the most part so does point gap. The MSD puts only 3 volts through the points as the opening of the points is just a signal to the MSD. In the near future I’m having a Mallory digital conversion kit installed in the distributor removing the points completely.
This will eliminate not only the points but the need to constantly check engine timing due to point wear. Why go through holding your breath every time your engine goes bump, life’s too short 🚗.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

Use resistor plugs. In fact I've found it hard to find non-resistor plugs. Doesn't matter where the resistor is it has the same effect. Usually ignition interference doesn't bother FM just the AM. Where I live they don't play music on AM anymore so I found an  FM convertor at a flea market and solved two problems, The interference and the lack of music on AM.

An ‘accounting machine’ is NOT a cultural icon.  The auto manufacturers like to sell the fantasy scenario of sexuality, etc. associated with their products, along with the brand-related racing/styling history.  We all accept the long established standard of dealers no longer stocking parts for car older than 10 years, but when you are selling ‘culture’, you should at least be able to refer the customers you reject to vintage repair sources.  I believe the hot rodder/speed equipment industry also shares the automotive ‘cultural/fantasy/sexuality’ concept, and likely should embrace the responsibility that comes with brand-related history (?).



6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

IN CANADA ford for example after 10 years  they no longer talk to 0ne. older trucks(re motor home)for example the won't work on it. the heap of junk v10s you are on your own for parts or tech help.

In 1966, I was hired by the Burroughs Corporation as a Field Engineer, fancy words for "Repair Man".  They sent me to Detroit to learn to repair a mechanical accounting machine called a "Sensimatic". At the time, practically every business had one,   In the seventies, accounting machines turned into computers and I found myself on the cutting edge of technology. A 1955 Mallory distributor is now over 65 years old.  How long should a manufacturer provide support?   If there is anyone out there with a Burroughs accounting machine still in use, you now know who to call!