Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

[Michael L.]

Guys where can I get the best quality points/condenser? I'm a little hesitant to install the stuff my local parts store has on the shelf.

Mike

[Owen L.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

Many folks in the know recommend NAPA Echlin brand.
Attached is a Restorer article by Duke Williams and Tim Schuetz:

[Larry M.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

If you will keep RPM below 5500 RPM, I would go to Ebay and buy DELCO-REMY (NOS) D106P or D106PS points and then get the matching D204 condenser. Cost is very low. Probably $15.00 or so for the points. Maybe $10.00 for the condenser.

If you want the best and will pay for it, then get a set of DELCO-REMY D112P, which is the high performance points that will rev to 7000 RPM. That is what I have in my own car, and have used regularly from 1970 until now. The condenser is the same as for the D106P. The D112P cost about $50 a set.

Either set of points will last probably 10 years the way most of us drive our cars. They should be good to 15,000 miles.

I am sure the NAPA Brand is also good.........especially if you buy the high performance ones that Duke mentions in his article.

FWIW.

Larry

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234401740683?epid=1037384247&hash=item36936eb78b:g:N44AAOSwXZlh-NOm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274908510637?hash=item4001d2f9ad:g:BEMAAOSwLrBhGvhO

[Duke W.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

I wrote the article and all the point sets are manufactured by Standard Motor Products, a Tier 1 OEM supplier. They are also available under different brand names like BWD, Niehoff, and even Delco. Any parts store can cross reference the NAPA numbers to whatever name brand they carry... same SMP manufactured part - just a different box and part number.

I would not pay any kind or premium for a set of NOS Delco points. GM stopped making these parts 30 years ago.

Duke

[Michael L.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

Ok thx. What about the option of going with one of the points replacement products? Is there something you would recommend that is entirely contained under the cap for judging purposes?

[Duke W.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

I don't understand what your asking. The breaker points article recommends a specific NAPA set for your engine that has a redline over 5500.

Take that number to whatever local parts chain you want and ask them the brand and part number of the same exact part in the brand they sell. It should be okay to buy, but if you want me to verify post the data.''

Duke

[Larry M.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

I don't understand what your asking. The breaker points article recommends a specific NAPA set for your engine that has a redline over 5500.

Take that number to whatever local parts chain you want and ask them the brand and part number of the same exact part in the brand they sell. It should be okay to buy, but if you want me to verify post the data.''

Duke

He is asking about Petronix or similar.

Larry

[Duke W.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

Ugh! I NEVER recommend some "black box" that can fail without warning instead of the simple mechanical-analog systems that these old cars have.

Duke

[Michael L.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

OK thanks Duke. I get the point(s). (sorry couldn't resist!) BTW, this is a follow-up to the thread I started a couple weeks ago where I discovered that I was missing the baffle beneath my carb. After installing that I was hoping the car would be sorted out but it still ran terrible. I followed your advice and looked at the points/condenser next. When I removed them the wire going inside the condenser just fell out, with clear signs of corrosion on it. I'm hoping now that that is what was giving the intermittent timing light and the poor running.

Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Best source for points/condenser for a 69 L-46

See my posts regarding SMP's Blue Streak brand in these threads:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?128854-73-L48-tune-up
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...o-D106P-points
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ts-for-1963-71


They were made in the USA but are no longer produced. NOS is available from eBay.

I agree with Duke regarding electronic ignition conversions. I've had electronic ignitions suddenly fail (for example the modules in GM HEI ignitions). On the other hand, points-based systems may gradually wear but rarely will they suddenly fail and leave you on the side of the road. They work fine on the street up to red line.