VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Replacement Ignition

I'm not trying to be a jerk by offending anyone, honest. A local dentist GAVE me a 1930 PU of the "F" variety because he knew I would bring it back to original. He also knew that I will put turn signals on it, electronic ignition, better lighting, and possibly some brake enhancements so that anyone in my office can drive it around town.

So, I want to take my '28 Capital to work daily (good weather only) and I was hoping that a retro electronic ignition might be available. I have one for my 1929 Model A and I can't tell you how cool it is to take it to the office....smiles all around, thumbs up, and more, AND no worries about the old ignition.

I'm not throwing anything away, but I was hoping for an idea.

Please don't cancel my Viagra prescription, or steal my grandkids, or hide my tools. My plan is to drive this a lot and be bullet proof, so I have to make some some changes for reliability.

Thanks

Don

I also don't want to offend anyone. I understand that the reliablility of modern vehicles is much greater that older ones. I also understand if something goes wrong I can get the older cars with the ancient systems to get me back home. But if a modern vehicle quits it means calling someone on the cell phone. Had it happen too many times myself or for others who call me to come get them.

If you want to have a bullet proof vehicle buy and new one and cross your fingers when ever it is driven.

I have 20s and early 30s Chevrolets that start run everytime I get in them. They have stock ignition, brakes and other parts. The addition or substitution of modern parts is no guarantee of better reliability. Yes they take a little maintenance and care but so do those with all that modern stuff. Just my opinion based on nearly 40 years experience with over 100 vehicles. I was left on the side of the road a few months ago. It was at night by a modern vehicle with less than 10k miles when it just quit. Had to have it towed to a parking lot to get it. It turned to be the collision switch that shut off the fuel pump. So you will have a tough time convincing me that they are more reliable. Also if something goes wrong it takes a computer to fix it.

Amen, To the above.

Amen Chipper!!We just got back from the All Cylinder Tour up in Cedar Rapids Iowa and there were 38 old original Chevies. The only guy that ended up on the trouble truck was a 1928 1 1/2 ton. Seems that the skirt on the #2 piston broke off and dropped into the pan.

hoppy

I suggest you leave your '28 alone and stick with the stock ignition system. As Dippy Chippy says, you can fix that on the side of the road......an electronic ignition you can't. If you really want your car "bullet proof" then drive it the way it is.

I tried the electronic ignition system on an older car once. It lasted one week and then left me stranded downtown at a main intersection on a Friday night at 5:00! Had traffic blocked everywhere. Finally, folks got out of their cars and helped me push the Impala into a parking lot to get it out of the traffic. With the old ignition system that car never, ever failed all of the decades we have owned it!

:) :grin:

I agree fully. I have had one fail to start on the first of second, thirs or forth revolution on our 1928 and that was the high tension coil wire on the 1928 (I had put a new one on before the tour and cut it jest a tad too short) We do drive our old Chevrolets alone locally once in a while to local events. But one of the biggies about touring with other VCCA members is that minor breakdowns like lack of fuel or lack of a good spark are usually quickly analysed, trouble shot, and fixed before a cat can lik itself. However, when you start putting aftermarket modifications that is just going to complicate the process.
If it ain't broke Hoss, don't try to fix it!
Heck, many mechanical breakdowns, axles, etc., get fixed back at the hotel that evening. It makes for aome interesting OJT and seminars.

Everyone seems to be in aggreement. "If it ain't broke.. don't fix it". You're right.

It does say "VINTAGE Chevrolet Club of America", doesn't it?

Again, thanks for putting up with me and not printing any 4 letter words that were aimed at my obvious error in judgement. I'm like fine wine.. I'll get better with age.

OH..... my wife just read this and she said something about fish and 3 days. It takes a wife, or a group of real enthusiasts, to keep me going in the right direction.

Thanks

Don