Posted by Paul on May 29, 2000 at 19:21:37:
In Reply to: 1955 Dodge C-1-PW (my new toy) posted by Chris Lube Lublin on May 29, 2000 at 13:03:07:
Chrysler went to 12 volts in 1956. Some trucks were available in 6 volt form supposedly to help out large comapnies with lots of 6 volt units. However, the truth was Chrysler just wanted to move the 6 volt units. Imperial did have 12 volt POSITIVE ground in 1954-55 on it's Cropwn Imperial units. Possibly in 1953 also but I don't have my books handy. This was used only on the luxo boats due to increased demands on the electrical system with A/C. Mopar went with 12 volt NEGATIVE ground in '56.
If you're not getting fire, it may be bacause of the air gap. If I remember correctly, the gap in the points at open should be between .018 and .022 inches. If you can't get them closer than .030, they may not be closing and charging the coil. No charge no spark. If you haven't already replaced the condensor, do so as a bad one will give you fits.
Be sure to ground it before you touch both the body and wire as a joke we used to pull on people was to charge one up and drop it in their pocket. Eventually, they would reach in and ground it. You usually could hear the snap.