11 cab CMP Distributor question

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by MikeV

So with the electronic system it makes sense to use it , since the vehicles sit for extended times with out running except for events at the museum.

But wouldn't we need to install crankshaft sensors and since we have a franken truck so to speak.

Wouldn't we need serial numbers off the engine to get the right parts?

I think you're approaching this with a "Modern Car" mindset. WW2-era vehicles remained unchanged for years at a time, and even then many parts were common to a lot of variations.

The "Rabbit Ears" distributor has exactly the same internal parts as the wartime "Crab Cap" distributor. In fact, as a museum piece you might light to consider changing the bails and cap to revert the distributor to a wartime appearance.

But for this discussion (for the '42 to '49 distributor), the only info you need to find the correct Pertronix ignition unit is the electrical set up of the truck; 6 or 12 Volt, positive or negative earth.

Some examples HERE

Perhaps one of the users on here of the Pertronix unit could provide a quick write-up or photos of the modification?