Distributer

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Can anyone recommend a good source for rebuilding a HP distributer. Mine seems to be working O.K. but I figure that after 41 yrs. it could probably use a overhaul.

[Terry D.]

Re: Distributer

Mike

I've heard good reports about T.I. Specialty. Dave Fiedler 765-962-4265. I've had good luck with my local engine rebuilder. Find an engine shop in your area that's been around a while, not Pep Boys or Auto Zone. Ask questions, get referrals. Ask your local NCRS chapter where they get theirs done. Almost always better to do business locally, less time spent if somthing is not right.
Terry

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

Thanks Terry. I have already checked with a local engine shop but all he suggests is that I buy a new after market.

[Verle R.]

Re: Distributer

Mike,

Where are you located?

Verle

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

Hi Verle:

I live about 70 miles south of St Louis.

[Verle R.]

Re: Distributer

Mike,

Contact some of the NCRS members in the St Louis area, they probably know someone around there.

Verle

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

O.K. Verle thanks I hadn't thought of that.

[Terry D.]

Re: Distributer

Then you need to find a new engine shop.
Terry

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

Yeh I know. He is the only one around and he is getting real independent.

[Joe L.]

Re: Distributer

Mike-----

Rebuilding these old points-type distributors, especially the tach drive Corvette models, has become a real specialty service item. This type distributor has not been used on a new car in over 30 years. That means that the market for such rebuilding services is extremely limited. What's more, the cost of custom rebuilding of these units by a local or specialty shop FAR, FAR exceeds the cost of just purchasing a commercially rebuilt unit (except for Corvette TI distributors which are generally unavailable from most commercial rebuilders). So, the VAST majority of folks requiring rebuilding service for an old Delco points-type distributor will just purchase a commercially rebuilt unit. No automotive shop would dare charge their hourly labor rate for rebuilding a distributor, when a commercially rebuilt unit costs about $35-40.

So, I'm not surprised, at all, that your local machine shop won't do it. What would surprise me is if you found a local machine shop that would do it.

[Joe L.]

Correction

In the 4th line, change "TI" to "tach drive".

[Jim T.]

Re: Distributer

Check out www.tispeciality.com web page and look at how to rebuild/setup your distributor. If you can remove and install a distributor in your car you may have no problems in the disassembly, cleaning, lubricating, installing a new seal with the recommended 20W non detergent oil. Lubrication of the tach gear drive will save you lots of money preventing the distruction of the tach drive gear and distributor shaft gearing.

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

Point well taken Joe. Maybe the local guy just didn't want to admit that he didn't have the knowledge to do the job.

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: Distributer

Thanks Jim. I have been to his sight but I want to replace the bushings and don't think I have the equipment or experience to properly align the shaft.

[Joe L.]

Re: Distributer

Mike-----

Yes, the bushing replacement is the main obstacle in rebuilding the distributor----the rest of the rebuild is very straight-forward. Assuming, of course, that you don't need parts which are unobtainable (like base plate and distributor cam).

There used to be an outstanding source for bushing replacement. That source was Hi Tech Innovations in Florida. They installed the bushings and jig-bored to proper alignment. They are the only ones that I know of that had that capability. In my opinion, jig boring is especially important for Corvette tach drive distributors since the alignment between the main shaft gear and cross gear must be near-perfect if the gears are to lead a long and happy life. Alas, I understand that Hi- Tech Innovations has gone out of business. That's a big loss as far as I'm concerned. However, fortunately, I did have them re-bush one of my housings several months ago and it's the one I'm going to use in the "ZL-1".