Interior parts

[wanderlane]

Hello, I have just purchased a gorgeous 1949 running Manhattan, complete but in need of several interior pieces. The body is great (faded paint only).
Engine runs well but in need of tune up items. I am new to this site and am wondering if most of my needs can be met in this forum, I would love some dialogue on what direction to go in with regards to this auto.
To keep stock (my preference) or to replace the Continental and running gear for something more contemporary, I do want to do a lot of driving with it.
Thanks for reading my first installment on this site.

RANDERSON

[jimkf]

Hello! 49 Frazers are nice road cars and properly tuned, the Continental 6 should give you plenty of power. Everything you need for a tuneup is available at your local NAPA store. The part numbers for the tuneup items are:
AL62 - Ignition Rotor
AL63 - Distributor Cap
AL 869 - Condensor
CS 719A - Ignition Points
J8C - Spark Plugs (Champion)
If you need new ignition wires, you can use a set from a 1968-1972 Chevrolet 6 cylinder (250 cubic inch engine). They will fit, although the longest wire is a bit longer than the original.

About the interior parts, post a list of wants, maybe someone out there will have what you need!

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Champion J8C were NEVER, EVER used by Kaiser-Frazer!  The official plug for a 1949 or 1950 Frazer was the Auto-Lite A-5.   The J8C burns hotter than the heat range for the A-5 and with today's gasolines, the higher heat range makes the cars even more prone to vapor locking than normal.  The Chief Judge could only get Champion's to sell back in the 1970's so he decided it would be the "regulation plug".

A-5 plugs have appeared for sale on e-Bay and they do function properly if cleaned up...I'm running a set in my 1952 Kaiser.

[54 Kaiser]

Champion J8C were NEVER, EVER used by Kaiser-Frazer!  The official plug for a 1949 or 1950 Frazer was the Auto-Lite A-5.   The J8C burns hotter than the heat range for the A-5 and with today's gasolines, the higher heat range makes the cars even more prone to vapor locking than normal.  The Chief Judge could only get Champion's to sell back in the 1970's so he decided it would be the "regulation plug".

A-5 plugs have appeared for sale on e-Bay and they do function properly if cleaned up...I'm running a set in my 1952 Kaiser.

I have a cross reference list that gives the following equivalents to the Autolite A5. (And you're right, the J8C is NOT one of them.)

* Autolite A5
* Champion H-8
* Old Champion H-9
* AC Delco 43L

KFL: If these look wrong, please advise.

There are probably Bosch, NGK and other modern equivalents as well. If the car is a regular driver that you also put in shows, the best bet would probably be to get a set of A5's to put in for show and use the more commonly available equivalents for regular driving.

[jimkf]

About J8C spark plugs, they are the approved and accepted plug for use in KFOCI judging, that's why they were mentioned here when tuneup parts were listed. I was attempting to help a fellow with easily accessible parts for his car, and the plugs mentioned were just part of that list. One can no longer go to your corner parts store and buy A5 or A7 plugs so why would I mention them here?? That'll learn me to never pipe in again with help...

[Gordie]

Hi Jim,  A-7  K-F sparkplugs are offered by the Club manufactoring Fund and they are not exactly correct but they will work as will many others.   Sometimes our info is not totally correct but it is always welcome and if not exact someone will usually give additional information.  Thanks for your valuable input and helping other members is one of the things that makes our club great.  Most of us have Kaiser Frazer questions from time to time and it is wonderful that we have such a pool of knowledge in our membership.  Gordie