The brushes are short - less than one half inch, anyway. They are marked as "Autolite 6-I" (perhaps 6-7... hard to read).

I see some brushes for $3 on Ebay right now, but they are a 3-brush set. Can I just toss the third brush out? The two brush pair looks identical to mine.

The commutator is nearly black.

What's the right way to clean up the commutator? Real fine sandpaper, held against the commutator while turning the pulley end?

Thanks to all for the help.

Thanks, Dave. I didn't know the band was the brush cover.

I'm on my way outside now! I hope that's why it's not charging.

How do I check the brushes on my generator? Does the generator have to be removed?

I have a 1949 22nd series Deluxe Eight.

Thanks for all advice. This is something I should already know how to do.

I've had trouble coming up with the 6v pos variety. If you have some links I'll be happy to shop them.

Thanks very much.

Did you actually convert your car to LEDs?

If you did, was it a six or twelve volt?

If six, was positive ground a problem?

What did you set your timing to? I think it's normally 6.5 advanced (I'd have to check). Were you getting some pinging?

I'm not real experienced with this stuff, so I appreciate your insight here.

I'll be curious to know if you have any perceived performance benefits. Let us know what you think. I still have to reset my timing.

You're right about that little seat adjuster handle on the driver side. I had my tracks all lubricated, everything working (I thought) smoothly, and pulled up on that handle.

SNAP.

The handle is just pot metal and won't stand very much pressure.

I installed the Pertronix ignition unit last night.

After looking at the current wiring setup, and then comparing with the diagram furnished with the Pertronix, I instantly realized that they had gotten it wrong.

The physical installation was a piece of cake. Took about 30 minutes, most of that time trying to get my work light in just the right place.

Of course, the engine didn't run after I wired it up the way I knew it should go. I went to bed discouraged, then decided what I would do. I thought about it all day long at work today. Yes... I would go home and follow the directions that came with the kit.

It's amazing how lucky smart those guys at the Pertronix factory are. They got their directions right the very first time.

In a more serious note, now that the car is running again I think I need to revisit the timing. Ran out of time for that tonight. Had to help the wife drag tarps of leaves back to the burn pile. Tomorrow evening I'll time it. I thought I heard a little pinging when I took it out.

I have to say that this Pertronix seems like a good, solid, no-nonsense unit. And I'm happy to be away from the need to worry about sourcing condensers, points, etc, etc.

Jay

By the way, there's a Studebaker guy that has a nice webpage on how to install one of these on a six volt, positive ground system. Here it is...

I decided to buy a Pertronix ignition for my '49. After checking pretty much everywhere for the best price on a model #1585AP6 (correct for my 288 with 6V positive ground), I found a place that sold it for $94.

That's significantly cheaper than anywhere else I could come up with, so I checked with them to confirm the price. They say it's still current, so I've ordered one.

I never bought from the people before, so I'll report if there are any problems.

They are Helmar Parts, in New York. They appear to be mainly a truck parts supplier.