I was wondering if you could put points in an electronic ignition distributor instead of having the ignition module and a pickup coil or vice versa. My truck has electronic ignition but I know it isn't from the factory because my is a '73. If you could put in electronic ignition without swapping distributors, then I may go back to the original points system because the previous owner screwed up the ignition and it seems that it is grounding out somewhere, so my truck doesn't run at the moment.

 

If the distributor is the original 73 unit that someone did an electronic conversion to, then you probably could convert it back. The only electronic conversion company that comes to mind at the moment is Pertronix. So pull the cap and rotor to see if there is a name brand on the module in the distributor. Other than that, you may be able to find a good used points distributor and go with that.
If it's a Duraspark, it should'nt be too hard to trouble shoot and repair, they usually are pretty reliable as long as you can find a quality name brand module.

 

So you are saying that a points system can be converted to an electronic ignition using the same distributor? Are you talking about the pickup coil as the module in the distributor?

 

Yep, Here's a link to the Pertronix conversion and the module I was referring to.
http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

 

Thanks! I am not sure that it is the stock distributor, but the pickup coil (or module) is Ford original because it says it is on the plastic connector piece. Could you put an original pickup coil out of another truck, on mine and make it electronic ignition even though it is not aftermarket?

 

"Could you put an original pickup coil out of another truck, on mine and make it electronic ignition even though it is not aftermarket? "

That I'm not certain, if I were to guess, I'd say no. If someone swaped a later model Duraspark into your motor, it would have a larger diameter distributor cap and the module would be a square box usually mounted on the inner fender. The pic up coil and reluctor wheel would be inside the distributor. If you could post some pictures we maybe be able to help identify what you have.

 

That is what I have. I guess if I want to go back to the original points system, I would have to get a new distributor right?

 

Yep, or at least a good used one. The distributor shaft in a Duraspark doesn't have the cam to open and close the points

 

Oh ok, thank you so much for your help.

 

1974/79: The pickup coil is the same (with one exception) for all V8 cars/trucks, regardless of what distributor or DuraSpark module the vehicle has.

D4PZ12A112A .. Pickup Coil (Motorcraft DU1A)

Fits ALL V8: 1974/79 Cars/Trucks/Econolines/Bronco's except 1979 302 LTD's with EEC.

1974/87 F100/350's: The DuraSpark ignition module is mounted on the left fender inner apron just in front of the firewall.

1974/79 ignition modules: There are FIVE different types: To find out which one has been installed, look on the module for the Ford ID number.

ID number example: D8VE-12A199-AA.

The module used in 1974 is 1974 only. The module used in 1975 is 1975 only. 1976/79, the most common module has a BLUE plastic grommet where the wires feed out.

This same BLUE module was used thru the 1990's.