1955 Distributor and vacuum advance ?'s

[RossL]

I've read the distributors are unique for each year. I don't know much about the history of my car but I've found and corrected a few things that were not done properly. I've only been able to drive the car about ten times since I bought it in November. It was running erratically and I had to rebuild the entire fuel system, cooling system and electrical (which was partly a 12 V upgrade).

Is there a way to test the vacuum advance to ensure it's OK. Does anyone rebuild the distributors and the vacuum advance units? I noticed when I disconnected the hard vacuum line from the carb to the distributor, the vacuum canister spins around in place.

[paul2748]

First, the vacuum canister should not spin. May be hard to find a replacement.

I know of two DISTRIBUTOR rebuilders:

Lou Sumas 440-439-5628
Lee Johnson 812-598-8965

Haven't had any dealings with Johnson, Sumas did a couple for me and no problems.

[55blacktie]

Hill's has the vacuum advance and rod for your 55.

[1957Birdman]

A procedure for testing the vacuum advance should be in the 1955 Ford and Thunderbird Shop Manual. If you don’t have one they are readily available online from the T-Bird parts suppliers.
Lew Bachman
1957 Thunderbird

[RossL]

I had my vacuum advance can rebuilt by Don Hyde (972) 423-4636.

Don said to test the unit connect a hose to vacuum canister and suck in, the advance arm should move, cover the hose with your tongue and it should hold vacuum.

When I installed the can I rotated the points plate and held my finger over the inlet for the vacuum hard line. As long as I held my finger over the opening the plate didn’t move

Cost was $100 plus shipping, he had exchange units and shipped a rebuilt unit out when he received mine.