Packard Forum Index » Studebaker Built Packards (1957 - 58)

Hello!

I'm looking at installing a electronic ignition for my 58 Packard . I ordered a kit from Petroxnix but it's not fitting the distributor . Anyone had this issue ?

Website said "1584" would fit .

The first pic shows the two mounting holes for the points to mount to but the pertronix unit does not line up to the holes.

I'm not familiar with the brand of my distributor can anyone tell me what I have ???

Thanks !

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Your '58 should have a Delco distributor. There should be a Delco tag on the distributor body with the model number on it, it will be a 7 digit number. I've attached a picture of a similar Delco distributor showing the tag. The 7 digit number will start at the left side of the tag.

Once we have that number, we will know for sure what distributor you have.

I will say that Pertronix's website is well known for having the Studebaker (and thus the '57/'58 Packard) applications screwed up.

On this part of the Pertronix online catalog here: Pertronix 11584, the catalog says its for a '58 Studebaker 8 cylinder but also says its for a Prestolite. That could not be, because the Prestolite was not used on the V8 until 1962.

Once we have your distributor number, maybe we can figure this out.

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Your best bet would be to contact Pertronix directly as they know their products and they have good customer support both before and after a sale. It's possible that they sent the incorrect kit or perhaps your distributor has been changed at some point with a different type.

I had the exact same problem with the distributor in my 56’ Patrician. The holes would not line up, just off a hair and too close to the shaft. I called Petronix customer support and while talking with the technician, I texted two photos. He was very helpful, sent a replacement and it works great. I highly recommend calling Petronix.

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From the pix your distributor is a Delco and is most likely correct for your car.

Thanks all . Will get the distributor number and post soon .

As a follow-up from my post yesterday (post #2 in this thread).......

I pulled out the Shop Manual Supplement for the '58 Packard. If your car has the original distributor, it will be a Delco 1110864. If that's the case, using the distributor number lookup on the Pertronix site, you would need either a Pertronix 1183 Ignitor, or a Pertronix 91183 Ignitor II. (In my opinion, the Ignitor II has a lot of features that make it worth the extra cost, but you would need to research it and decide.)

As Packard Don mentioned, the best thing would be to contact Pertronix via phone once you get your distributor number. Their cross reference from distributor number to Ignitor part number should be correct.

Thank you Paul! That's exactly what is was ( 1183 Kit) got the job done !

Good to hear!! How does it run with the Pertronix conversion?

Some minor adjustment timing wasn't set right. I electric fuel pump as well . The mechanical pump was awful replaced it twice.