Points and Condenser

[Greg S.]

I recently posted a problem with my 62 340 SHP not running. Suggestion to try a new condenser was the solution. Car runs great now. The condenser that failed had less than 10 hours run time on it which leads me to the question. Where can you get reliable made in america ignition parts? The new condenser I bought from my FLAPS proudly displayed Made in Mexico on the box as did the defective one I replaced.

I tried the GM Restoration Parts web site and Delco Remy web site without finding out what they offer or where to get it. Anyone knowledgeable about a source for good points and condensers?

[Duke W.]

Re: Points and Condenser

I think your best bet is NAPA/Echlin or Borg-Warner from Pep Boys. Same parts made by Dana Controls. Standard Ignition is another long time brand, but I don't know what retail outlets carry Standard.

GM doesn't manufacture any of these parts anymore. Delco is now just a marketing organization that contracts for parts from other vendors and packages them in a "GM/Delco" box.

Whatever you buy, many of these replacement parts will be sourced outside the US. Condenser failures can occur, but historically they are rare.

Since most parts usually carry at least a 90 day warranty, if you can show the the condenser is shorted, you should get a free replacement.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Points and Condenser

Greg-----

All current Delco points and condensors are manufactured in Mexico. To get USA-manufactured Delco ignition parts you will have to find NOS examples. The Delco part numbers are generally the same for the older and newer ones, though, so you can't tell them apart that way. However, and GENERALLY speaking, the "old" parts will have 7 digit GM "long numbers" and the "new" parts will carry 8 digit GM "long numbers". Packaging is also different as "old" parts will be in "pull string" or "foil covered" boxes. Some of the later "old" parts were in conventional cardboard boxes, though, just like some of the "new" parts.

Another option for high quality point-type ignition parts is going with Accel-branded parts. These are relatively expensive, but they are of high quality. I don't know where they are manufactured, though; it could be Mexico or other countries.

For the most part, I've not heard of any problems with the Mexico-manufactured Delco points and condensors. They may have a defective one once-in-awhile, but I don't know that the ones of old manufactured in Anderson, IN were "failure-proof".

If you don't want parts made in Mexico (or, other countries), then don't buy a new car, especially a C-6. The 6 speed manual transmission used in ALL C-6 Corvettes is manufactured in Mexico as is the radio and MANY other electrical parts.

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Lectric Limited's Breakerless Ignition *NM*