VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Condenser Question

Sometime ago I was told that to help solve the problem of engine noise on my 1947 car radio I should place condenser's in various spots.

One spot was the generator. Cannot remember the other places. Perhaps one other place was the coil.

How are these condenser's attached - For Example on the generator there is a small hole where you can screw in the holder for the condenser. What do you attach the wire end to?

Also, if one is put on the coil where do you attach the wire?

Also, if there are other places - and where do you attach the wire end?

Thank you.

This is for tri-fives but it's about the same.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/accessories/1957cpctai/57cpctai156.html

Thank you!

Not sure what a Tri-Five is however this is what I am taking from your posting. (1) One condenser to ignition coil (2) One condenser to the generator (3) One condenser to the Voltage Regulator (4) Ground Strap from Engine Block to Dash panel.

I found no ground strap on my 216 engine that I am removing from my 47. (Question) Should there have been a ground strap or would the negative battery connection be the ground strap connected to the starter?

Lastly, should I be using the same condensers that I am using in my distributor?

I think that covers it - thank you again! Believe me there will be more questions as I move further into this project.

You will all be part owners of my 1947 Chevrolet 4 door sport sedan.

Tri-fives is the common reference for 1955-56-57.

The 1947 did not have the ground strap.

Thank you.

Then as I install the 235 into my 47 Chevrolet which currently has a 216 I need to install a ground strap. Correct?

The ground strap was used on 12 volt, 1955 and up cars.

Thank you - I take it that you are telling me that I need no ground strap on my 47 with the 235 and that the negative to the starter is the way to go.

Thank you again.

Don't understand what you mean by neg. to starter. The ground strap has nothing to do with the wiring. It just connected the engine to the body and was not eletrical but provided a good ground for the body, etc.

Thank you for clearing that up for me. I am feeling through this process as a novice and if I have a question I ask.

Thank you for being willing to set me straight. That is what I want and that is what all of you have been doing.

Love that "Static Collector" near the front wheel bearings...Mine still is in place...For what it's worth...lol

The static collectors are not necessary with the rubber used in todays tires.

If you want a stock 1947 appearance, do not add any extra ground straps.

If you're adding an amplifier or just want some 'ground insurance' ...
Run a ground strap from the starter to the firewall then run another from the generator mount to the frame.
They don't have to be eye-catching or extra fancy - black #6 wire will do.

I put the same distributor condenser on the + coil but the rest is a 12v 3-wire Alternator painted to look like a (very short) stock generator.
If you're running a stock radio, AntiqueMechanic ought to be able to hook you up with the correct set.

I know...But, I think it's a real hoot lol

For my 1934 and 1939 cars I used no condensers, etc, and had perfect static free reception with both.

Thanks Gene - My radio has been rebuilt and when I purchased the car in Minneapolis the radio worked just great. However, we live about 100 miles north and east of Minneapolis. It is hard to get reception here at all. Even with condensers I am not sure that I will be able to get either of the big stations here in the woods. However, I will give it a valiant try.

Thanks again for all the help to each of my VCCA friends.

You can usually pull in more stations at night...But who's out driving around at night...lol