Sent another technical request message to Holley/Mallory regarding service.  First was ignored, but this time I also asked for referral to any private party that specializes in vintage Mallory distributor setup.  Maybe someone there who still has connections to retired staff with that knowledge (?) will take pity on me.
While my customized OEM Loadomatic (dual points, altered Offy advance limiter, lowered spring tension, etc.) & Pony/Holley 4000 combo is still running very strong, the reduced gas mileage IS finally enough to prompt me to put the NOS Mallory with mechanical + vac. advance into service (I also have slight ‘rough-running’ when cruising in 3rd OD at low RPMs, but that might well be merely a carb adjustment issue?). Otherwise, I might assume that the vintage unit, as-produced, was designed to be a ‘drop-in’ aftermarket performance upgrade, and was likely to be originally setup correctly as such at the factory, with street-able advance curve & point gaps, so a good soaking in automotive electronics solvent (and re-lube of the advance mechanism) should  be adequate for testing. I’ll put it on the SUN machine first and see what’s what before I cut off the ends of my plug wires.
If I’m lucky, I’ll be able eventually to get some useable vac. advance in combination with a modern carb also (restricted port vacuum?).  Whatever.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

An ‘accounting machine’ is NOT a cultural icon.  The auto manufacturers like to sell the fantasy scenario of sexuality, etc. associated with their products, along with the brand-related racing/styling history.  We all accept the long established standard of dealers no longer stocking parts for car older than 10 years, but when you are selling ‘culture’, you should at least be able to refer the customers you reject to vintage repair sources.  I believe the hot rodder/speed equipment industry also shares the automotive ‘cultural/fantasy/sexuality’ concept, and likely should embrace the responsibility that comes with brand-related history (?).



6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Use resistor plugs. In fact I've found it hard to find non-resistor plugs. Doesn't matter where the resistor is it has the same effect. Usually ignition interference doesn't bother FM just the AM. Where I live they don't play music on AM anymore so I found an  FM convertor at a flea market and solved two problems, The interference and the lack of music on AM.

I have a late model Mallory dual point distributor in my 55, 12 volt. I had a new ballast resistor from a T-Bird parts dealer and a Mallory condenser. With only a handful of miles on the resistor it blew out while on the highway, backfiring the like I never thought possible. Fast forward to another road trip this time the condenser dies, engine wants to die, I’m on a highway in traffic. Bottom line new resisters and condensers are made in Asia, they are junk.
I had an MSD 6A installed which replaced both the resistor and condenser and felt like it added another cylinder. Also with the MSD dwell angle becomes obsolete and for the most part so does point gap. The MSD puts only 3 volts through the points as the opening of the points is just a signal to the MSD. In the near future I’m having a Mallory digital conversion kit installed in the distributor removing the points completely.
This will eliminate not only the points but the need to constantly check engine timing due to point wear. Why go through holding your breath every time your engine goes bump, life’s too short 🚗.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

I would think having two electrical component failure/strandings would make you MORE likely to favor mechanical systems, not less.  What will you do if the digital conversion kit fails also? Do you carry a spare distributor?
BTW: I assume my Mallory Dual Point will operate just as well using standard-type condensers (?).  I have a bag of old NOS/US-made cylindrical ones, and have selected out the ones with the closest spec. values to carry along for spares.


6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

The electronic conversion kit I’m referring to is the Mallory E-Spark. Most people in my club have or are planning to replace their mechanical point systems, and I’m sure they are not alone. Mechanical ignition systems are of another time, as demand for points, condensers etc diminishes they will eventually disappear, it’s just a matter of time.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY