1950 Distributor Plate Wire Gauge

[37Dodge]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am currently rebuilding an IAT-4003 Distributor from a 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe, and the wiring on the breaker plate had deteriorated so much that I am having trouble determining the original wire gauge.  Hopeful someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

 

I have high strand count flexible wire for the repair so that it can move with the plates, however I don't want to go to heavy and restrict the movement or have issues from the wire being too small with the 6v setup ( specifically the short wire between the top and bottom plate).   

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Doug&Deb]

I don’t know if this helps but my 52 Dodge manual calls for 16 gauge wire unless specified.

[desoto1939]

Below is some info on the distributor lead wires and sizes this was taken from my Echlin catalog. It tells the lead wire number and the then the picture of each wire and length. The part number in ( ) is the autolite part number on the wire picture.

 

Rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

 

 

[37Dodge]

Thank you @desoto1939 & @Doug&Deb for the quick response!  This documentation will help me with the correct lengths since I basically have wire ends to work with and that's it   ( photo from above was an eBay find )

 

Thanks Again!

 

 

[desoto1939]

13 hours ago, 37Dodge said:

Thank you @desoto1939 & @Doug&Deb for the quick response!  This documentation will help me with the correct lengths since I basically have wire ends to work with and that's it   ( photo from above was an eBay find )

 

Thanks Again!

 

 

 

Another quick option is to purchase a NOS breaker Plate assembly for your IAT dizzy. This then come complete with the wires, condenser, and points already assembled.  Then all you have to do is install the new breaker plate and then rebuild the old plate with parts and then you have a spare in case something happens.

 

I always look for BP when at swap meets, just good insurance to have spare parts for your car especially if you have switched out the original pars such as the dizzy and carbs, etc.  You can not just walk into any auto store and expect to get the part off the self, might even have to wait a few days or more.

 

Be prepared for future tune-ups and repairs.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[37Dodge]

Thanks @desoto1939

 

I was able to snag a second plate online, so I'll use that as a spare/template for repairing my current one.  Thanks Again to all for your help!