Ignition: Distributor problem... this can't be right

[mjeansonne]

I have a Delco Distributor in the 62 Hawk with 289 V-8. I converted it to Pertronix ignition about 2 years ago. When we were installing the Pertronix, the oval shaped (kinda) piece that fits on top the shaft and operates the weights separated from the shaft that it appears to be pressed on. We used a punch and tapped it at the separation point between the shaft and the oval piece to keep it from moving. Drove the car until earlier this year when I decided to rebuild the engine. Rebuilt the engine and when we started to install the distributor, we found the oval piece had separated again from the shaft of the distributor. Again pulled out the handy punch and and tapped the pieces together. The car runs fine.

My concern is if I drive to South Bend this month from Louisiana will I have a problem? While I realize this is the Studebaker Driver's Club and not the Future Tellers Club, I wonder if anyone else has had this problem and what they did? I don't have a spare Delco Distributor to carry with me, "just in case". Any suggestions?

[Mike Van Veghten]

Well....if you think about it...it's already come loose...."twice"...right ?

I'd braze it together myself.
If you are using stock return springs, they are pretty stiff...! If you are using ligher springs, you "may" get away with it for a while...but why take the chance ?

Mike

[cycledog]

The experience I have had with Pertronix says...go back to points.

[jg61hawk]

If you want someone to fix it right and fast use: STUDEBAKER PARTS AND SERVICES Dave Thibault 13 Nick Lane Maynard Maine 01754 (978) 897-3158. Call him and tell him you need it back for the South Bend trip. He'll either "fix it on the phone" or repair it quickly for you and ship it right back. I have used him for all sorts of things. Ship it UPS next day and pay for next day return you'll have peace of mind.