31 Standard 8 - Startup - Ignition

Posted by Greenfield On 2020/4/4 7:14:50

I'm soldiering on towards the starting the 826. Some more quandaries:

After getting the distributor situated, I went to look at the coil/ignition system. Oops, the key didn't work. Won't turn a bit. So, I pulled the coil assembly out to get an education in early 30's theft deterrent devices. I pulled the coil out, took the key mechanism off, and noted the brass cams that rotate on the base of the coil that apparently activate the coil. I decided to soak the key mechanism in PB Blaster in the hopes that the tumblers in the lock cylinders need to be loosened after not being touched for 34 years. Maybe there is corrosion between the lock cylinder and pot metal housing. A guy can hope after all....

Shockingly, ignition parts for a 90 year old car aren't readily available at Pep Boys. I'm thinking of one of three solutions: 1. fashion a copper disk to fit at the base of the coil, sandwiched between the contacts on the coil and the brass cams to essentially override the key, but use the existing Northeast coil 2. Independently mount another 6v coil, effectively rendering the entire NE part ineffective 3. buying a Atwater Kent replacement. Any suggestions, or anyone with a part you'd be will to sell?