Regarding the 'early' B - distributor & oil filter

[grantour]

Cleaning up the car and wondering if my distributor orientation is correct? Seems as tho the 'knurl' adjustment, (love that word), is too close to the starter; as it is touching it and doesn't turn. Perhaps another reason for it, but I know not what.

For the oil filter, having a dog of a time finding the proper NAPA or WIX number to fit the hanging spin on conversion. Seems as all are tiny teeny and concerned that adequate filtering occurs. Anyone have a number that has worked for them?

Pics of the cleaned up area will be forthcoming in a few moons and thanks for any guidance.

[Jimmy]

You can stick the distributor in pretty much any way you want, then run the plug wires accordingly.
I'm also a believer in bigger-oil-filter-is-better and did find a good website for oil filter specs (relief valve settings etc. should match, too) and will try to find it for you later.
I remember finding valuable info on websites for other vehicles, once I knew what other cars the filter I wanted to upgrade did fit.

[Steve Simmons]

The correct filter for your mount is Napa Gold 1068, Wix 21068, or K&N HP-2009.

As for your distributor, Jimmy is correct that it can mount any way you like so long as the timing is correct. The usual orientation in my experience is with the wires and vacuum advance pointing more or less straight up.

[grantour]

My thanks for your succinct replies Gentlemens. Straight up, like all good liquors aye Steve. (not that we are big drinkers). Appreciate the thoughts on distributor. Changing also the plugs to NGK as it 'came' with Champions, which, I think, are not. Fluids, etc also being replenished after the flush of the 'first fire' dims to the background and the intensification of drivings looms large.
As mentioned pics in a few moons forthright.

[grantour]

Makin' some progress. Little bit of overheating now and probably getting the radiator boiled. Changed the oil cooler hoses and servicing all around. Probably do the clutch hydraulic works as it wants to grind into first, that is if a bleed doesn't do the trick (bring on the leeches EGOR) , and ................... a pic for Jimmy ! yea (complements of Cat)

[Steve Simmons]

Looking good! Before you connect that nice clean radiator, I'd flush the block and heater circuit (separately) both ways a few times.

Also, just to make sure... you're aware that early Bs do not have syncromesh in first gear, yes?

[grantour]

Steve, yes, aware of the non-syncro first and thanks for asking. Funny about the radiator, started to pull it and then thought about the contaminated coolant that came out of there and decided to get it warmed up first then use a flush agent and then 'rinse' before fitting the very clean 'boiled' unit. I also only use distilled water in my cars. Bet the avereage driver would be suprised if they took a sample of what's in their radiators! Probably the second most neglected item of service after the brake fluid in my opinion.

New points, etc has the car starting with a touch of the key. Very much better!

Wonder what Jimmy meant about the heater tube on the wrong side of my valve cover? It is disfigured, so I need to change it anyway.....

[Steve Simmons]

You're sure right about people neglecting the cooling system. I'm guilty as well, but hopefully do better than average. I used to only use distilled water but have become lazy in my old age.

The heater tube looks right to me, just sitting a bit high. Here's the engine bay of my '67...

[grantour]

Wowza ! That is a very good looking engine bay. Thank you for the reference photo Steve.
GREEN with envy, again. Gotta quit hangin' around here.

[Steve Simmons]

It doesn't look that good in person! Lighting can make all the difference.

[Jimmy]

Grantour,
Hey, if you think you'll need a new clutch slave, the B Hive has them on sale this week for $40, with the hose.
Yes, they're aftermarket and probably wouldn't satisfy Steve's standards (I'm sure some of the external ridges in the castings are off by a micron or two) but for someone with a semi-wooden dash (which I'm still interested in, and I did send a PM) or myself, they're likely just fine.
Glad to see you're making progress with your find.

[Steve Simmons]

Some of the aftermarket hoses are better than the OEM ones, especially since the OEM hoses are reproductions themselves. Either that or you go to a local hydraulic shop and have one made. That's often cheaper and better.

[Jimmy]

I'm glad you approve of the hoses, Steve, but I sure hope you like the slave cylinders, too.
Especially since I'm odering a set today. At $40 I can't resist.

[Steve Simmons]

I always rebuild mine unless the bore is damaged, but I've heard no complaints about the aftermarket slave cylinders. There isn't much to them, really. Just a chunk of aluminum with a couple holes in it. I think most people just replace rather than rebuild.

[Jimmy]

After I used my hone to make setup bearings for a Jeep axle it really doesn't work too well for its intended purpose anymore.

[grantour]

Lighting aye Steve ? Wish we had that kind of light here. Spoken like a true fotog grapher. And thanks for the lead on the masta' cylinder Jimmy. Checkin it out today, justin time. Was hurt that you didn't acknowledge my new pond, hint hint, as it was a big one man project. And that 'new' dash has arrived but will need much TLC so .... I will hereby declare that you shall receive the coveted wooden dash when it is divested, should that day arrive in my lifetime... I have spoken. course' we can still talk.
Onward

[Jimmy]

Oops, you wanted a master cylinder?? Well, I ordered my slave cyl. yesterday...and now that I'll have a spare it'll hopefully work as it's supposed to - not be needed.
And sorry about not mentioning your pond. I'm working on the opposite, trying to divert water away from a low spot. It'd sure be easier with a dozer. Yes, I have dozer envy.
Hopefully you'll have sorted out your dash situation by winter as I'm planning a much needed cosmetic upgrade session on the Beater B, and the windshield is coming off anyway.

[grantour]

That will be the time to do it with the windshield off, as you may encounter fitment issues between the two. Have you considered a pillow dash stripped of the vinyl? Thinking of that with my MGC. Lots of space there for extra toggles and gauges on that dash and I sense that it would appeal to your capacity for creativity.
When is Winter there anyway?
Pond levee got 'seeded' yesterday, maybe I'll prop the cars up there and take a shot when its green. Diversion of water are ........distracting from the source , and water is insiduous (sp?)good luck with it

[Jimmy]

"...may encounter fitment issues..."? MAY?
Yes, there'll be some cutting and welding involved, but that part's fun.
The nekkid pillow dash does have its appeal, except that the Beater B has a glovebox (yeah, I know, weld the hole shut).
Mostly it's just that I'm so much more comfortable with a steel dash. The "new" station wagon really proved that to me.

Winter here usually begins in November. Last night was 34 degrees, but the days are still well into the 70s.
Bring a few buckets and you can have some water from the irrigation ditch for your pond.