ignition conversion on 55

["A. Foster" <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>]

Quint;

 How exactly does Pertronix convert the distributor?

Do they eliminate the points or do they employ them in switching the transistors like the system Ford once used?

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side Tailight bezel and other trim parts.

----- Original Message -----

From: Quint Villanueva

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:39 PM

Subject: Re: IML: ignition conversion on 55

Hi

Petronix is a good company.  I visited their plant in San Dimas when I delivered my distributor to them to be converted to electronic. I have not yet installed it, however, I have a partner (read car guy) who installed a Petronix and it works like a charm on his 6 volt system, '49 Cadillac.  Petronix is a manufacturer, it does not do installations.  The Petronix  person I met with was very informed on distributors.  Petronix agreed to modify my distributor because they did not have a model for the one off my car.  It took a week and a half and it was ready.

I plan to install it in about 4 weeks.

 

                                                Quint

----- Original Message -----

From: Jan Harmonson

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 6:50 AM

Subject: Re: IML: ignition conversion on 55

HI

 

Was going through some old email and saw this. Did you ever do the Petronix? How does it work.

 

A follow up on my 6-12 system, the generator evidently is not able to charge one 1/2 of the battery and a few hours of revival is necessary periodically.

 

Jan

----- Original Message -----

From: Ted Blackington

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 9:00 AM

Subject: Re: IML: ignition conversion on 55

Thank you Randy. Steve Sweet also sent me a message about the Petronix conversion, and said that Petronix didn't actually sell them, but gave him an address of someone who did. I am waiting for more info on supplier. My 55 has a dual hard start problem=it must be primed through the carb if it sits more than a few days-and if more than a week or two, no spark!! The hassle of getting it running is discouraging as I am sure you know also. The 12 volt systems are much better., in desperation  I connected a 12 volt battery to it-big mistake! It spun like crazy and fired immediately, but fried the starter relay on the fender wall. Had to install a generic relay, now it starts in any gear, no safety switch. I have considered converting it to 12 volts, but the car has so many accessories hat it would be a major job. Then too, club members keep telling me that it started fine when new on the six volt system. Getting (and keeping) an good six volt battery is also a problem. Thanks so much for your reply. Good to talk with another of the few 55 owners.

 

                                                                                                                                TED BLACKINGTON

cebuisle@xxxxxxx

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Black55Imperial@xxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 8:38 AM

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: Re: IML: ignition conversion on 55

 

Re; Ignition Conversion on '55 Imperial

There is a Petronix electronic ignition available.  A friend uses a variation of this on his 1957 Studebaker Hawk with great results. The Petronix unit hides in the distributor and is not noticeable for car shows My '55 is a big challenge to start if it has sat for a week without being driven.  My' '56 with 12 volt system starts wonderfully.  Though very incorrect, I had thought of converting the '55 to 12 volt for easier starting or trying the Petronix unit.

Randy Still
Black '55 Imperial Sedan
'56 Crown Imperial Limo