Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#305759 04/14/14 05:52 PM
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Has anyone here installed a Pertronix electronic ignition in a STOCK 1947 Chevrolet car distributor? thanks MB

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4 yrs and no problems..on my 48

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where can you purchase these? Does the system have to be 12 V or do they sell a 6 V petronix too?


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Only downside of a Petronix is that when it fails, there's no fixing it on the side of the road...


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so true..........


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It is also a pain when the Pertronix fails in the shop. It happened when the engine was running at moderate speed for no apparent reason. Replaced with points that have not failed!


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I had the same problem with the Pertronix too. Failed on a major highway in downtown at a signal in very heavy traffic at 5:00 PM on a Friday night. Stranded with no way to fix it!!

The simple distributor point system is the only way to go!

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Originally Posted by Junkyard Dog
I had the same problem with the Pertronix too. Failed on a major highway in downtown at a signal in very heavy traffic at 5:00 PM on a Friday night. Stranded with no way to fix it!!

The simple distributor point system is the only way to go!

Bummer, NOT FUN!!! Only had points stop me once, borrowed my wife's fingernail file and was running again in 5 minutes or less. I think I will keep the points! lol

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Mine broke in the parking lot of the motel while we were in Los Angles - about 1,500 miles from home in our '66. Thankfully, I had the instructions with me and they had a four-part test for problems. It passed the first three checks... but totally failed the fourth test - which was the computer-chip. It was fried due to heat.

Luckily I had a spare point/rotor/capacitor system with me. Had it up and running in about 30 minutes. Needless to say, I'm still driving it that way (6 months later)... AND... I've now got ANOTHER complete set of points/rotor/capacitor and cap in my on-the-road tool box.

Once was enough for me.

Oh, I just remembered that I did have to run to the store, to buy the two screens that hold the distributor plate on. They were replaced with different (weird) ones with the electronic kit. So the install time also included about 45 mintues going down and back to an auto parts store.

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I have all the guts from the distributor in the 52, they are in a plastic bag in the trunk and can be used if the Pertronix ever fails me. Over 5 years now with no problems. do not miss adjusting the points at all. talk

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My 41 2 door has the pertronix with the 6v system. Wont start if the battery drops below 3,5 volts. The points system will start at this voltage. I also keep the parts in the car in case of failure.

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interesting stories.........one never knows


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It comes down to whatever your comfort level is. Put in what satisfies you. Ever option has pro's and con's.

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Originally Posted by wannchev
My 41 2 door has the pertronix with the 6v system. Wont start if the battery drops below 3,5 volts. The points system will start at this voltage. I also keep the parts in the car in case of failure.
I have had an intermittent starting problem with my Pertronix, engine will crank but not fire, when releasing starter button the engine will fire right up. Pertronix teckh told that you need 5.6 volts at the coil or you have this problem. Drive the car keep the battery charged and enjoy!

glyn #321009 10/11/14 09:02 AM
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Ah it's the simple things in life, Guess that's why I like these older vehicles. There sooooooo much easier to work on and easy to get to but they are made well...


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