Distributor Points question

[Dale Finch]

Having just swapped out the points in my '55 Cub, Ben, because they had been misaligned and were worn off-centered, I was wondering just how much you can file the points and still have them work well. I mean, how thin can the 2 pads get?

The truth is, those points weren't that old, and they WERE properly gapped. The misalignment had been due to the tab on the insulator being broken off. This tab keeps the "spring" steel connector straight, and I hadn't noticed last time I worked on it that it was missing.

So back to my question...it's not that I cannot afford new points for my tractors. I just have several points sets in a little drawer from when I restored my tractors, and think it's silly not to file them and reuse them. So how much can you file them down, and still have them work well?

[Dale Finch]

Another question...in the 3rd photo above, I noticed the points APPEAR to be made of 2 different layers of metal. A sort of greenish one (copper?) where they contact, and a shinier layer outside that. Is this the case? And if so, can that "contact" layer be filed too thin?

[Jim Becker]

The answer to question 1 covers question 2. Back in the old days, the entire contact point was made of one material. As long as you could file it flat, it would still work OK. Many newer cheap replacement points have contacts that are plated over cheaper material. Once you have burned or filed through the plating, the points are about done.

[Dale Finch]

Hmm...so if these points in the photos DO have just a "layer", can I tell if I have filed through that layer? Again, this line of questioning is not because I won't pay for new points, especially since they are probably the CHEAPEST part I will have ever bought for my tractors! It's more out of curiosity and the fact that we are more and more a world of "replacement" technology. I think the reason I really enjoy tbese tractors is that THEY CAN be repaired, and have been for 70+ years. Just wondering if the new parts we put in them can be repaired as well! Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

I never really looked but suppose there would be some color change when you file through the plating, like silverish going to copperish.

[jsfarmall]

And it never hurts to have a decent set sitting around to finish a job, the day, or get back to the shop.

[Dale Finch]

Guess I'll grab a couple used sets I have around, file them smooth, and take a good look. Will let you know what I find out...with some photos, of course!

[Gary S.]

Don't think there has been solid points sets for years. Some have even gone over to using plastic rubbing blocks as well. For some reason there is just not a call for points anymore