I need to buy a new distributor cap for our 55 6 cyl. Dennis Carpenter wants about $20 plus shipping and Macs Auto wants less than $7 for a dist cap plus shipping. I know it is usually true you get what you pay for - but that is a big difference. Has anyone used either cap or have you gotten one from somewhere else that was a good quality dist cap for a good price?

Bruce

 

Did you try your local NAPA? or other reputable parts house? At least if there's a problem, you can get it looked after, rather than shipping it back.

 

I tried ORielly and Advance with no luck. Will try others as well.

 

I believe it is a crap shoot what quality you get. Both retail vendors you mention just buy that type stuff. They might have control on who builds it or where it comes from. There are probably not that many folks building distributor caps for a 60 YO engine. I would think a good NAPA store could get it for you. Mine would try because the general manager is an old car truck guy.

 

Brass vs aluminum conductors.
Duralast/Distributor Cap F922 at AutoZone.com

Of course Advance is headquartered in Roanoke. I couldn't find anything on their website that made sense.

http://www.rockauto.com/?a=G-partdescribe2

That cap fits a lot of years.

 

I bought from either Mac's or LMC - don't recall which exactly - and have been pleased with the product. Brass contacts with correct dimensions that has been working for 3+ years.

 

NAPA offers two or maybe three; the good Echlin part costs $28, the cheaper ones are as low as $12. Brass terminals, vs. aluminum, etc. You do get what you pay for.

NAPA AUTO PARTS

 

all 6 cyl ford engine use the cap from the 40s to the 70s
flathead ,inline,vtype
with points
partman Joe

 

Checking out my stash:
NAPA FA69B cap alum. conductors
2612 plug wire set.
Can bring to Stuart, VA next week.

 

Try Rock Auto RockAuto Parts Catalog. I'd buy a name brand that meets OEM specs. I can't say I've ever used a cap with aluminum terminals, I'd be concerned about corrosion/oxidation unless it's run every day.

 

I appreciate that but the next two weeks are really stretched with everything going on for a 4 hr or so round trip. I may check NAPA and AutoZone in nearby cities. Thanks for the offer. Nice of you to think about us.

Bruce

 

Most of the main auto parts stores will get one shipped to their store no charge. The O'Reillys in my town can generally get them in a day or so.

I looked up on Napa online and the 6 cylinder version is $31.99 and the 8 cylinder is $14.99 both Echlin. Go figure! (Which looking closer is what Ross linked to for you.)

Looking at Dennis Carpenter, the $20 one is for a V8, the 6 cylinder one is $17.50
Ignition Distributor Cap | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts