DIY Network

1938 Packard Ignition System: Distributor Reassembly From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-403

Mark Lambert reinstalls the distributor on the 1938 Packard.

In this episode of Classic Car Restoration, host Mark Lambert addresses the ignition system on the 1938 Packard Club Coupe. In this segment, the newly serviced distributor is re-installed on the engine.

Following is a summary of the major steps in the installation of the procedure as shown in the episode.

Materials:

Materials used in this episode:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
Bench vise
Hand-vacuum pump
Replacement points
Replacement vacuum-advance
Eye protection
Protective gloves

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

• With the distributor serviced (including replacement of the points and vacuum advance), the distributor can be reinstalled. First, the distributor cap (figure A) can be reattached.

• On our distributor, we noticed that the distributor cap was worn and was no longer clipping down securely, so we opted to replace it with a new cap (figure B).

  Important: Always replace a damaged distributor cap.
  

  Figure C

  
  

• Line up the chalk-marks made earlier for reference, and carefully lower the distributor back into position. Press it in until it seats solidly (figure C). Secure the distributor body in position by reinstalling the base bolts.

• Be certain to set the distributor in the same position as it was earlier, before removal.
  

  
  

• Reattach the distributor wire (figure D).

• Reinstall the vacuum advance line and secure it (figure E). Be certain to flex the advance line gently to achieve a good fit but to avoid damaging the line. Thread the line into place by hand (to avoid cross-threading) before tightening it down completely.

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  
  

• Install the new distributor cap (figure F).

• Transfer the wires from the old distributor cap to the new cap one at a time to avoid mixing them up (figure G). Make certain to attach each wire to the proper post.
  

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  
  
  

  RESOURCES :
  
  
  Resources and Special Thanks for Classic Car Restoration 400 series
  
  
  The Packard Club
  Columbus, Ohio
  (National & regional clubs, car shows & judging, magazine, resources, etc.)
  The Cormorant magazine
  The Packard Club
  www.packardclub.org
  
  Packards International Motor Car Club
  (National owner's club, judging rules, magazine, newsletter and other resources)
  Santa Ana, CA
  Packardsinternational.com
  
  Packards of Chicagoland
  (Regional affiliate of The Packard Club)
  Elmhurst, IL
  Packards of Chicagoland
  
  America's Packard Museum
  Dayton, Ohio
  www.americaspackardmuseum.org
  
  The National Packard Museum
  Warren, OH (the birthplace of the Packard)
  www.warren.org
  
  The Packard Motor Car Foundation
  (Foundation for preserving the Packard marque) Restoring the Packard Proving Grounds and other Packard activities.
  www.packardmotorfdn.org
  
  Motorbooks International
  www.motorbooks.com
  
  Automobile Inspections LLC
  (Nationwide automobile appraisal & inspection services, including classic cars)
  Hartford, CT
  www.automobileinspections.com
  
  Classic Auto Appraisals (Evaluation of Classics, Street Rods, Antiques, Competition Cars, Exotics, Commercial Vehicles and Hand Crafted Vehicles).
  www.autoappraisals.com

  
  

  GUESTS :
  

  Keller Wallace
  Keller Wallace Street Rods
  Volunteer Street Rod Association
  Knoxville, TN

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	1938 Packard Ignition System: Removing the Distributor
  	1938 Packard Ignition System: Servicing the Distributor
  	1938 Packard Ignition System: Distributor Reassembly