Probably could send it stripped as they’re going to be setting the advance curve. However I would send it complete. This way they can go though everything and make sure everything is set up correctly. Once back, you’ll just have to drop it in and set timing to their specs.

Getting the distributor recurved is probably one of the best things you can do.

 

Email them (Dan Nolan). They get back to you in a day or two. He sends you a form to fill out. You send the whole thing. But can choose if you want the whole thing rebuilt (seals, cleaned, etc -or- just the curve work). I’ve not sent mine yet but got that far in the process before delays happened on my project.

 

My father says for the recurve they just need the distributor. They used to do something referred to as the Tasca curve. It think he mentioned flipping a disc to the 15°side instead of the 10°.

 

I agree that you need to email first. I did this and received a form to fill out with pricing, etc. I have not sent in my distributor yet since I am working out some other issues (same as Maverick_tlc), but plan to do so at some point this winter.

But definitely know what work YOU want done (simple recurve, repair, full rebuild, etc.) and have the form filled out before shipping the parts. It sounds like the turnaround is pretty quick, and yes, I would send the entire distributor...

 

I have already emailed and received forms for both distrbutors. It doesn't say on form to send entire distributor or strip it down. It does ask if using Pertonix to state the model. If I'm sending the entire distributor why would they ask that? I'll just send the whole thing.

 

I have already emailed and received forms for both distrbutors. It doesn't say on form to send entire distributor or strip it down.

Ya, his questionnaire and instructions are a bit thin.

 

I don't know what shipping instructions they gave you, but I suggest pulling it, allowing it to drip for a day. Then I wrap it like a cocoon with paper towels or shop absorbent towels, then raid the kitchen to seal it up with an excessive mummy-wrap of plastic cling food wrap so it cannot leak in shipping. Oil creeps.

You (or your receiver) don't want the headaches that shipping companies give when something leaks an unknown fluid ("OMG!! 😱") in-transit.

 

You should have sent Dan an email first indicating your intentions. He would have replied with shipping instructions, aka, what to send. Also, you need to provide how your engine is being used etc. Don’t rush it, have you heard the saying “ haste makes waste “?

 

When I shipped my 67 Motorcraft Dist. (came with my May built '64) to "Dan", he requested the distributor minus the cap with whatever "sparkie" I planned to run which, in my case, was a P1. I added, my engines intentions, (spirited street) tranny info, rear ratio and Cam Doctor program sheet. My distributor was already in pretty good shape, mechanically. Thus, no need to get into the shaft bushings etc.
Editing to add....what I received in return, was a nicely re-curved distributor with an all-in at 2600 Rs, a recommended initial, with a mechanical of 19º. Was worth it to me.

 

The info should be as complete as possible. Camshaft, transmission, rear axle ratio, rear tire size, and type of driving would be the minimum. Send him the whole thing, from bottom to top, including the cap. If it's nasty, spray it down with brake cleaner, and air blow it dry.

 

Yeah, maybe, I did include the cap. What ever Dan, mentioned, I complied. Whatever the case, my engine is happier for it.

 

@C-Woods-70 Just went through this...asked the same question of Dan. They wanted the distributor complete: cap, rotor, points or pertronix.

Mine was coming in way too early.

I also wrote down as much as I could about my '65 engine including exhaust, transmission, and how I drive it.

 

Just to follow up, I sent both complete distributors minus the caps. One got a complete rebuild and recurve and the other just a recurve. After reinstalling I think I might feel a slight seat of the pants increase in power or maybe it's the cooler weather. Anyway, I am satisfied with the service Dan provided and it is reassuring knowing the timing curves are just right. Now all I need is for spring to get here.

 

The value I got, was “piece of mind” knowing it’s working for me, not agin me.

 

I used to do a lot of distributor curve work, and I never saw one that was "in limits" when tested. Oh, and "remanufactured" distributors were the worst.

At one time, popping the distributor into a Sun machine was part of a normal tune-up. Nowadays, most shops wouldn't know what a distributor machine was. When I think of all the money people spend on carburetors, coils, and other engine upgrades, but do nothing to address distributor performance…

 

Are you kidding? Most shops probably wouldn’t know what a distributor is.

 

Fortunately, while it is a bit more clumsy, most things a distributor machine is used for can be done right on the engine with a timing light and a hand vacuum pump. Unfortunately, most hobbyists don't have the concepts of what they can do for free. So, it's shipping off to the distributor shop, when a read-up in the FSM would get it done in about the time it takes to pull it, pack and ship, not to mention the down-time and cost. If you can rebuild a carb, you can rebuild and adjust a distributor. 😊

 

most things a distributor machine is used for can be done right on the engine with a timing light and a hand vacuum pump.

Exactly my thoughts. I never understand the hassle & downtime sending it off to Dan when you can do it yourself. Of course, not everyone has the tools and skills.

 

Post 19?????????????

 

Bot. Reported

 

Back on topic, be sure to pack the distributer up well and protect the nipple on the vacuum canister. Mine was damaged in shipping. Dan ended up suggesting I buy a new distributer, which I had him do and have that recurved.

 

Well, if you have a vacuum source that can be set to 8 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, and 20 inches, accurately, you could attempt to do it at home. If not, you are wasting your time.

 

So if you are trying to make me feel inadequate you failed, try again.

Good job. ⭐

Nope, not my intent.

if you have a vacuum source that can be set to 8 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, and 20 inches, accurately, you could attempt to do it at home.

I do.

 

Fortunately, while it is a bit more clumsy, most things a distributor machine is used for can be done right on the engine with a timing light and a hand vacuum pump. Unfortunately, most hobbyists don't have the concepts of what they can do for free. If you can rebuild a carb, you can rebuild and adjust a distributor.

Exactly my thoughts. I never understand the hassle & downtime sending it off to Dan when you can do it yourself. Of course, not everyone has the tools and skills.

So if you are trying to make me feel inadequate you failed, try again.

I certainly didn't read anyone trying to make you feel inadequate.