Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I want to go the replace, not rebuild, route for now... went to NAPA - nada. Anyone know a good source for replacement Delco-Remy starters for '56 Clipper 352? I don't really want to pay the prices charged by the specialists (Kanter etc). I've found they tend to get a 30% or more premium for stuff I can pick up at NAPA and the like.

Bottom line is that they don't make them anymore. So it's going to have to be rebuilt. The ones you get from the Vendors are just rebuilt/refurbished units.

Luckily I found an oldtimer here that still does that.

Rebuild with a firm that has a good reputation. I had my original rebuilt locally and haven't had any problems!

As Big Kev wrote..........they don't make them anymore. In fact, I don't think many things get made or built in Anderson Indiana anymore at all.

It may not be original, but I converted my 55 400 to negative ground and installed an alternator. Need to reverse the ampmeter and change a coil wire, but everything else works. Either new or rebuilt alternators are available.

Wasn't execting to find brand new, but being a Delco I figured thAT they'd still be available as a re-man thru NAPA or some such part distributor, particularly since many GMs may have used it - there was a virtually identical starter from a '50s Chevy on the bench when I was there... this guy is in his 70s and has been rebuilding starters and gens for near 50 years.

Quote:

Are you talking about the high tension wire to the distributor? If not,why do you need to change a coil wire? If I understand correctly, the primary (battery) and secondary (distributor) poles of the coil can remain as originally connected regardless if the electrical system is negative or positive ground. Perhaps the "+" and "-" marks on the coil are leading you to think the wires should be swapped? I post this only to solicit information. Thanks.

(o{I}o)

Actually the coil wires (polarity) should be changed if battery is changed to opposite ground if it's a normal coil with the + and - as Packard used. Universal or general replacement aftermarket or unmarked coils shouldn't care. The spark is more efficient when jumping from the center electrode to ground rather than other way around. Here is a brief description of how to check.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/tech_tips/tech_tips_ign_coil_polarit.html
and a longer description on the theory.tpub.com/content/firetrucksandequipment/ ... P-1/css/TM-5-4210-230-14P-1_545.htm

Thanks, HH56 for the references. The generator/alternator shop that sold me the alternator also installed it. The technician said he had changed a coil wire, but didn't think it was actually necessary. I don't know which wires he switched. Ignorance is bliss.

Okay, I may be showing my ignorance here, but isn't a coil basically a transformer with primary and secondary windings?

It would seem to me that one would want to preserve the primary-secondary relationship regardless of the battery ground. I don't think coils have "polarity". The "+" and "-" indicators on the coil terminals may not be the best way to label them. "Dist" and "Bat" would be more appropriate.

If a coil's primary and secondary output is the same then, either connection will serve. If they are different, then connection is important for maximum output.

I'll read the referenced articles more closely.

(o{I}o)