57 distributor rebuild or replace


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By Rono - 13 Years Ago
Guys;

I've got a 57 distributor that seems to be in pretty good condition (good gear and tight bushing without alot of play). It has been sitting for a LONG time. I've taken it apart down to the plate that holds the springs and counterweights, but I'm not sure how to remove those parts to clean the light surface rust that's on those parts and the lobes of the shaft the points ride on. (obviously not in my 56 shop manual). I've read some older threads on  this and I CAN get a 64 truck distributor from Advance Auto Parts for $45.00 with a $10.00 core charge.(called them today) I'm going to convert to a Pertronix ignition anyway, just not sure which way to go. I thought of using Eastwood rust desolver for the rusty internal parts if I can get it all apart, but don't know if it's worth it. What do you think?

Thanks,

Rono

By gekko13 - 13 Years Ago
I would just clean it up and use it.  If you remove the rotor, you will see a felt wick in the top of the cam assembly.  Pluck it out and remove the wire clip under it and the cam slips off of the distributor shaft.  Note that the guts of any 8 cyl. Duraspark distributor will back fit in your unit.  You can probably buy the whole set up for less than the Petronix alone.  If you don't like the Duraspark module, the electronic pickup and reluctor will also trigger a GM HEI, Mopar, or MSD box too.  A TFI coil from any FoMoCo, for the money, is as stout as anything.  The side benefit is all the components can be replaced individually with pieces from your favorite parts store.  JMO
By Rono - 13 Years Ago
JMO;

Thanks for the response. I'll get her cleaned-up and use the one I haveTongue

Rono