Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Points and condensor

Old Apr 10, 2015 | 03:05 PM
  #1  
91Fbody's Avatar
91Fbody
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Eastern NC
Points and condensor

I want to replace both of these. I found an unused box of plug wires in the cab when cleaning it out so I've already installed them. Will be getting some autolite 216s as well.

When searching for parts, I see there is a "vented" option, and a heavy duty version for parts. I took a look inside the distributor and see it only has 1 set of points, but I couldn't see a vent of any sort, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

Both of these say "vented" but are different part numbers:

NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA AUTO PARTS

The condensors seem pretty straight forward.

Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 03:10 PM
  #2  
raytasch's Avatar
raytasch
Believe Nothing
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Club FTE Silver Member

The vent is a hole in the center of the fixed contact.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 03:53 PM
  #3  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Most of the modern manufacture points and condenser are junk. They will (often) work, just not for very long. As in hours. Buy quality or NOS, otherwise forget it. Switch over to a Pertronix.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 05:49 PM
  #4  
pbsdaddy's Avatar
pbsdaddy
Hotshot
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 17,559
Likes: 1,081
From: Central Delaware
I'll second the electronic ignition. Looks like stock and performs better than stock could ever have hoped to. When one considers how scarce quality points and condensers are getting, this seems like the obvious choice.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 06:03 PM
  #5  
greenmachine55's Avatar
greenmachine55
Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Seguin
I third what Tedster9 and pbsdaddy stated. Switch to Pertronix ignition and never worry about your points and condenser again! The quality of points and condensers are not too good. It took me weeks to find out my new condenser was bad after I over hauled my engine. Then, even the second one was bad also! Pertronix I went to and never looked back! Had good luck with many of them in different cars and trucks!
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 06:36 PM
  #6  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Points aren't scarce they made a gazillion of them, what I'm getting at is don't buy el-cheapo junk and you'll be fine.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 08:47 PM
  #7  
abe's Avatar
abe
Fleet Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,375
Likes: 5,385
From: Central PA
Club FTE Silver Member

Now beware... if there is a EMF attack or a huge solar flare, those with electronic ignitions won't be able to run your vehicles. Those of us with points will be able to start and run our trucks at least until we run out of gas if the gas pumps aren't working..... maybe I should carry a siphon hose with me.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2015 | 10:50 PM
  #8  
91Fbody's Avatar
91Fbody
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Eastern NC
While I certainly have experience and understand the advantages of electronic ignitions, I'm trying to get it running on a budget to evaluate what its future with me is. I had a 70s ford with points and I never touched them so I know it can be done. However, this information will not be lost on me, and if things go south with old school, I'll convince myself to "splurge". I've got to be hardheaded first.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 11:30 AM
  #9  
pbsdaddy's Avatar
pbsdaddy
Hotshot
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 17,559
Likes: 1,081
From: Central Delaware
Originally Posted by abe
Now beware... if there is a EMF attack or a huge solar flare, those with electronic ignitions won't be able to run your vehicles. Those of us with points will be able to start and run our trucks at least until we run out of gas if the gas pumps aren't working..... maybe I should carry a siphon hose with me.

And this is why I always have a bicycle in the back of the truck. Take that, you electro-magnetic, sun spotting aliens.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 11:44 AM
  #10  
raytasch's Avatar
raytasch
Believe Nothing
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by abe
Now beware... if there is a EMF attack or a huge solar flare, those with electronic ignitions won't be able to run your vehicles. Those of us with points will be able to start and run our trucks at least until we run out of gas if the gas pumps aren't working..... maybe I should carry a siphon hose with me.
AAHHHHH, the dreaded EMP. A fun, thought provoking read is One Second After, a novel published in 2009. The action takes place in a small NC town. An old Ford product with a points ignition system helps the town folks cope with the many problems while the newer cars and trucks remain immobile.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 12:16 PM
  #11  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
There is a specific set of NAPA points that the Ford Barn guys swear by, I'll see if I can find the number. In general, the good ones are their most expensive.
Here they are: "Standard brand FD8182 points and condenser FD75 are also very good " Also available from Rock Auto, maybe cheaper?
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 06:35 PM
  #12  
abe's Avatar
abe
Fleet Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,375
Likes: 5,385
From: Central PA
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by raytasch
AAHHHHH, the dreaded EMP. A fun, thought provoking read is One Second After, a novel published in 2009. The action takes place in a small NC town. An old Ford product with a points ignition system helps the town folks cope with the many problems while the newer cars and trucks remain immobile.
Thanks Ray about tip for the book. Is it a good read? I will try to get it on my Kindle.

Oh and by the way I am not a Prepper..... I do not have a years supply of water and non-perishable food in my basement!
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 06:44 PM
  #13  
abe's Avatar
abe
Fleet Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,375
Likes: 5,385
From: Central PA
Club FTE Silver Member

Have you read "Truck: A Love Story " by Michael Perry. It is about a single guy living in the country in the midwest, trying to fix his house up, trying to grow a garden and he finally decides to bite the bullet and fix up his old truck which used to be his daily driver. It has sat in his driveway for years. He is busy with work, garden and the local volunteer fire company. It goes into detail about fixing up the truck with all the problems we have with our trucks. His Brother-in-law is helping him. As he works on the truck, he also works on his social life and both get better. Only thing wrong with the book is that it is an International not a Ford. I recommend it!
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2015 | 08:32 PM
  #14  
FortyNiner's Avatar
FortyNiner
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Mr Perry has a few very worthwhile efforts including 'Truck', 'Coop', and 'Population 485'. The corn binder resto elements were certainly a welcome part of the 'Truck' story line. Their solution to the fender rust issue isn't used by most.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedTaurus94
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Jun 21, 2014 10:53 AM
BrotherMabe
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Apr 2, 2013 08:59 AM
thekingofcows
Offroad & 4x4
8
Jan 26, 2012 08:27 PM
360 Sport Custom
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
28
Nov 4, 2006 11:11 AM
BigBlueBeast
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Sep 18, 2003 06:39 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:17 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE