Pertronix install?

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by bammiller84, Nov 27, 2015.

  1. bammiller84

    bammiller84 Member

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    Just received pertronix kit and coil to install in the truck. Looks pretty easy to install in the distributor, but have a question about where the red wire goes? My truck is converted to 12vlt and has a white ballast resistor on the firewall. After reading the instructions just want to make sure what to do. Does it just hook to the coil or do I need to run it somewhere else?
     
  2. Bill Hanlon

    Bill Hanlon Member

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    My Dad used to say, "When all else fails, look in the trash for the directions."

    That said, I'm pretty sure you ditch the ballast resistor.
     
  3. bammiller84

    bammiller84 Member

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    Ok thanks, I went back and re-read the instructions and must have misunderstood what it said. :) I did not need the resistor anymore. So got it all hooked up today. Was pretty easy really. Truck seems to run a lot better and have more power at idle.

    Thanks again!
     
  4. Chiro

    Chiro Member

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    Where did you buy the kit from?

    Andy
     
  5. bammiller84

    bammiller84 Member

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    I got the kit on EBay had the coil and ignitor. $114 and free shipping.
     
  6. Bilbo

    Bilbo Member

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    I have Pertronix ignition in my truck. It starts easier and idles better too. Big improvement.
     
  7. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Don't forget to open up those spark plug gaps to at least .040" ! FEEL the increased power
     
  8. Bilbo

    Bilbo Member

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    Didn't mention it, but I did re-gap plugs to .045
     
  9. dorcutt

    dorcutt Member

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    Interesting, I checked my installation and I connected the red wire in front of the ballast resistor. I have been running it that way for about a year with no problems. It seems to me there are a couple of old threads on this. Dave


    Ps good to see Nate back, I to am slowly getting use to the new format. Just have to use it.
     
  10. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    As long as it works , don't mess with it ! .

    There are different units depending on how much voltage reaches the dizzy and if it's pos. or neg. grounded .

    NEVER leave the key on with the engine not running ! this might fry the unit and it's not cheap to replace .
     
  11. dorcutt

    dorcutt Member

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    Nate, thanks for the hint on leaving the unit on with out the truck running. I hopefully remember that. My system is a 12 volt system with negative ground and all is working good,,,,,touch wood.
     
  12. cmkruse

    cmkruse Member

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    Nates right about that "key on" thing. I had a push button rigged up to start my panel before I started the resto and looked out one afternoon after having run it earlier in the day an saw some smoke rising from the hood. I thought I had maybe ignited some loose grass it was sitting in until I looked it over and opened the hood to find the coil in full melt down and the oil oozing down the engine. What I need now is a warning buzzer to tell me when I leave it on !!!
     
  13. Bilbo

    Bilbo Member

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    Consider installing an LED to come on any time the key is on as a reminder?
     
  14. Bill Hanlon

    Bill Hanlon Member

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    ... or maybe an idiot light for the alternator ??? No run, but key on and the light comes on.
     
  15. 52wasp

    52wasp Member

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    I have given this very topic some thought recently. If an "idiot light" were implemented from an oil-pressure sending unit, if the engine isn't running (but key ON), the light would be illuminated. I too plan on having (an illuminated) push-button to start the truck, and want it lit when the truck is NOT running.
     
  16. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    I so love the little details you alls put in .

    An illuminated push button switch ! great .
     
  17. cmkruse

    cmkruse Member

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    I like these ideas too!. I'm still running a generator so I'm going to go with the LED when I do the rewire.
     

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