Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

[Frank D.]

Under the heading of "No question to stupid to ask", I purchased an ignition points set with the condenser attached (pictures attached). Since there is no "set" screw in the front, where does the primary lead from the ignition coil attach?

Thanks in advance,
Frank

Points Front.jpgPoints Side.jpg

[Gene M.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

under the spring that tensions the breaker arm, no screw just the force of the spring holds it in contact. not a good situation but that is the way that set of points is. I suggest you get a BETTER set...........

[Tim S.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke Williams wrote a pending article for CR about contact sets. The NAPA # CS7860 got the nod.

Tim

[John D.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Hi Tim, For most of the 58 to 65 FI distributors we use NAPA #CS786P. John

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke Williams wrote a pending article for CR about contact sets. The NAPA # CS7860 got the nod.

Tim

Hey, don't place all the blame on me. You were a co-author.

Frank - pending publishing of the article, which I believe will be in the next issue of The Corvette Restorer, post the year and engine option, and I will give you what I recommend for the specific configuration. I'd also be interested in the manufacturer and part number of the points you bought.

I don't like those point sets that just use the breaker arm spring to retain the wires, so you might consider returning what you have.

Duke

[Frank D.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke and All:

I will take your advice and return the set I have and replace it with points and separate condenser tomorrow. The combo set I purchased was Borg-Warner (BWD) #A2120P. The auto parts store had the points set but didn't stock the condenser. They suggested the combo set and I thought, "Hmmm, one less wire under there, okay."

One additional question. When we installed the breakerless ignition that I am now replacing, we did not keep the wick that holds the lubricant. I have the white plastic holder for the wick but my parts store has no supplier for a replacement. Do I continue to search for the wick or with today's better cam lubricant, do I just need to grease the cam directly?

Thanks again,
Frank

[Frank D.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke:

For your recommendation, I have a '65 327/300 automatic coupe with air, and power brakes.

Frank

[Joe L.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke:

For your recommendation, I have a '65 327/300 automatic coupe with air, and power brakes.

Frank

Frank------


I have used the "Uniset" style points and condenser for YEARS and I prefer them to separate points and condenser. You can obtain a high quality Blue Streak "Uniset" style contact set under their number DR3575CX. These points have an integral lubricator and wick. They also use the screw-type connector for the coil wire (although I have always found the spring-type connector to work just fine). I would say these these points are perfect for your application.
DSCN2683.jpgDSCN2682.jpg

[Stuart F.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Joe;

That's a nice looking set of points. Almost makes me want to consider retuning to points after my 40 years experience with electronic conversions - NOT!

Just some of my early morning sarcasm. Sorry.

Stu Fox

[Larry M.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Duke and All:

I will take your advice and return the set I have and replace it with points and separate condenser tomorrow. The combo set I purchased was Borg-Warner (BWD) #A2120P. The auto parts store had the points set but didn't stock the condenser. They suggested the combo set and I thought, "Hmmm, one less wire under there, okay."

One additional question. When we installed the breakerless ignition that I am now replacing, we did not keep the wick that holds the lubricant. I have the white plastic holder for the wick but my parts store has no supplier for a replacement. Do I continue to search for the wick or with today's better cam lubricant, do I just need to grease the cam directly?

Thanks again,
Frank

Frank:

Long Island Corvette Supply should have the wick and holder if you want them. Back in the day, most of us removed them at the first points replacement.

I have used MANY (MANY) set of points with the spring retainer, and have never had an electrical problem. I actually prefer them to the screw-type......easier to install for me. The Delco-Remy high performance D-112P contact set (6000+ RPM) has/had the spring retainer.....never saw this set with the screw. The normal point set (D-106P or D-106PS) had either a spring retainer or a screw retainer...you could specify either one. This point set was normally good to around 5000 RPM.

If I remember correctly, the change to the UNISET points and condenser occurred around 1971-72. I never preferred them or used them, but I am sure they are fine for a driver or a show car. Not certain they would rev to 6000+ RPM without point bounce.

Larry

EDIT: LICS #48-14A for felt wick and retainer.

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Like Joe said the "uniset" will work fine in an earlier distributor that originally had separate points and condenser, but purists may want to keep the original configuration.

Since your '65 has a 1.8 ohm ballast and a redline less than 5500 the "standard" point set if fine. The NAPA number is CS86. This same point set, manufactured by Standard Motor Products, is also available in a "Delco" box and boxes from all the other well-known aftermarket vendors, like BWD, so it comes down to price and convenience since the actual part in the various brand boxes is from the same plant.

You can cross the NAPA number to any other brand on that brand's web site cross reference, and the parts store should be able to cross the NAPA number, too.

I've never been able to find a replacement for the little wick. After our cars were built, the wick was replaced with an oil-wetted foam "cylinder" as OE - I think in the early seventies, but it disappeared from service a long time ago. Maybe Joe L. can fill in the details.

So the only option that I know of is to place a film of grease on the rubbing block notch, but use it very sparingly as you don't want it to fling off and contaminate the contact area.

One of the NAPA high breaker arm tension sets includes a (different design) felt pad and a capsule of grease. All point sets should have this IMO, but it's only included in the one high breaker arm tension set, and I recommend this set for engines with redlines over 5500.

Contact me via the TDB email link, and I will sent you an advance copy of the points article, so you can make a more informed decision.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

i understand the point/condenser combo was used to eliminate the 2 piece cover used before

[Michael W.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Frank------


I have used the "Uniset" style points and condenser for YEARS and I prefer them to separate points and condenser. You can obtain a high quality Blue Streak "Uniset" style contact set under their number DR3575CX. These points have an integral lubricator and wick. They also use the screw-type connector for the coil wire (although I have always found the spring-type connector to work just fine). I would say these these points are perfect for your application.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]39005[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]39004[/ATTACH]

This is the component I use. One of the nicest 'bonus' features is the compact but sturdy little box they come in. Ideal for storing somewhere in the car as a roadside replacement for when the electronic conversion kit unexpectedly packs it in.

[Michael H.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Frank------


I have always found the spring-type connector to work just fine).
[ATTACH=CONFIG]39005[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]39004[/ATTACH]

Joe,

I agree. GM thought the spring style connector was ok too because they used this style in production in the early 70's. (possibly the late 60's too?)

[Terry M.]