Spark Plugs and Spark Plug Wires on a 1950 Dodge

[1950 Special Deluxe]

I recently changed my spark plug wires(did not notice any difference in operation,old ones were just quite experienced), I did the plugs 2 years ago when I got the car running. I used a generic cut to length Graphite(?) style of wires. Now, I have terrible static on the radio, I don't normally use the radio, but when people ask; does the radio work? I want to be able to say yes. I think I terminated the wires properly, I did pull them off and check. I did a number of searches on this site and after reading most of them, I am now even more confused. I did read on a couple of posts about a noise suppressor to use on the radio circuit. My 2 questions are, should I use resistor style or non-resistor style of plugs and what would be the best type of spark plug wires to use for my application? I apoligize for the simple, seemingly obvious questions, but I have got myself twisted into knots over this.

[captden29]

1950, these cars are supposed to use solid core wires, thosr that have a metal wire inside versus the graphite. i seem to remember the reason being about resistance. i would put in to the search forum "spark plug wires" and you will get more precisr info. my first car was a 1950 dodge meadowbrook. i love the dash. the fluid drive was slooooow. capt den

[Niel Hoback]

I use graphite core wires and resistor plugs set at .035 and get no static. I am in Virginia right now and can't tell you what number they are. NOT CHAMPIONS.

[Young Ed]

I have champions and graphite wires. Radio works fine. Also don't know the # right off the top of my head.

[TodFitch]

Either resistor plugs or carbon (resistor) wires but not both.

If you have RFI suppression type wires, as it sounds like you do, then the noise might be coming from some place else. Another culprit can be the generator, a capacitor across the armature to ground can help there.

[T120]

I have AC delco R45 plugs in my Dodge along with copper ignition wires.Not recommending this combination for others but works for me.Radio static is negligible.Following is a link to a handy cross-reference when choosing spark plugs -

http://www.autolitecatalog.com/PartDetail.aspx?b=A&pn=306

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Thanks to all,

I will investigate further this weekend and update my findings.

It sounds like it is something I have done as the radio was ok before I changed the wires. I am leaning towards improper terminations on the cut to fit wires.

I will check the plugs I have and note the wires as well.

Thanks for your help.

Neil

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Here is what I found this morning.

I have Champion J11C plugs, cross reference to Autolite 306 plugs. So they are resistor/suppressor style plugs. The spark plug wires are generic 7mm suppression wires. Unfortunately, the old wires did not survive removal so I cannot swap them back in and try that. I will recheck my terminations on the weekend.

[Niel Hoback]

J11C's are not resistor plugs. That would be RJ11C. I believe.

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Ooops, Just rechecked everything and the problem is with the radio, not the plugs or plug wires. Radio just buzzes with or without car running. I will need to take it back to the gentleman who repaired it for me.

Sorry for the wild goose chase.

Thanks for everyone's help.