Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit for 50s Kaiser-Has Anyone Have Success?

[Geoff Hacker]

Hi Gang...

We're working on our '53 Kaiser and a good friend wants to replace the points and condensor on my car with an electronic conversion kit.  It fits inside the distributor.  Will a universal one work?  Has anyone done this before successfully?

Any help / advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Geoff Hacker
Tampa, Florida

[Doc]

Do not know if they have a kit to fit the Kaiser or a 6-volt unit, but I have used a Pertronix successfully in both a '57 Hudson and a '66 Ambassador. But they require 12 volts.

[jbailey]

Pertronix does make a positive ground 6 volt ignition system, but you will most likely need to change the coil as well to be successful.  Here is the like to Petronix's instructions for installation.
 
http://pertronix.com/docs/instruction-sheets/1142P6.pdf

There are 2 pertronix systems covered, one for distributors that operate clockwise (Pertronix ignitor part no. 1142), and one for distributors that operate counter-clockwise (Pertronix ignitor part no. 1143).  I have not seen these systems in a KF product, so I don't know how well they work in KF applications.  I have seen similar electronic systems in plenty of Corvairs.  Some Corvair folks swear by these systems, others rather stick with the traditional points, rotor and condensers.

John B.

1952 Willys Aero Wing Basket Case
1961 Corvair 700 4dr     

[DTort96646]

Hi Geoff, I just installed a Petronix  ignitor, coil and ignition wire set in my 1951 Frazer Manhattan. Very easy to install, started right up after the installation. I bought mine from Summit Racing, great price and fast shipping. The ignitor goes in the - circuit from the ignition switch to the coil. The coil + terminal is then connected to ground. The Petronix website has the part numbers and instructions to do the installation. The ignitor, 40,000 volt coil, a set of E3 spark plugs and suppressor ignition wire set all about $225.00.

[Doc]

I believe Summit is where I got mine too and I forgot to mention that I also acquired the matching coil.

[r1lark]

I've had good luck with the Pertronix Ignitors on Studebakers. Others have had issues with them quitting with no warning, so they carry a set of points and condenser in the glove box. The one thing you must be super careful about though, at least on the earlier versions (Ignitor I ?) is that you cannot leave the ignition in the 'run' position for long periods of time without the engine running or it will damage/zap the electronics.

I've heard lots of folks that say the Pertronix made the car start so much easier, and run so much better. I didn't see much difference, but the cars I installed them on had the ignition system in very good shape (wires, caps, plugs, points, etc).

[Geoff Hacker]

Guys....Great information and thanks so much for sharing your experience.  This will make it easier to accomplish what I need to do.

Greatly appreciated and have a great day.

Geoff

[Geoff Hacker]

Thanks to all for your help. 

Geoff

[DTort96646]

Hi Geoff, also the factory solid core ignition wires must be replaced with suppression core ignition wires. The solid core (Copper Wire) will destroy the ignitor (Hall Effect Sensor). A direct replacement suppression core ignition wire set is not available, but Petronix sells a Universal 7mm set that works perfectly.

[Geoff Hacker]

Will do.  Thanks DT...