where to buy or rebuild vacuum advance for '36 model 70?

[David Platt]

I need a vacuum advance for '36 346 v/8. Anyone have one or know where to get one?

[Carl Fielding]

Something doesn't quite compute here. I thought 1936 V8s were 322 cu in. What's left of my failing mind also wants to tell me vacuum advance did not appear until , I think , 1940. I hope I am wrong , but this would be a good place to receive a reality check. David , what year is your engine ?  -  Carl

[David Platt]

Carl, the 60 was a 322, the larger series were 346's
David

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Carl,
Check your MPL. All series cars had it in 1936. Then they dropped it until 1940.
Bob

[Carl Fielding]

Hmmm , thanks for the reality check. I was vaguely aware of unique aspects of '36 Cads. These being rare beasts , could the 1940 and newer vac advance be substituted? Or just plug the somewhat newer distributor in ? Has anyone re-curved these old distributors for modern much higher octane gasoline ? Seems doing so would make for a stronger , better , cooler running engine if properly done.  - Carl

[Steve Passmore]

If authenticity is not an issue and as a last resort you could adapt one to fit David. I have done it several times by cutting the Arm on the original unit, cutting off the tip of the arm on the new unit and carefully soldering the two together to duplicate the angle and length keeping the original end of the arm. Take your measurements very carefully.  Its what we have to do in this part of the world when parts aren't available. You could use the later one like these in the link if the fixing strap sort of fits.    These later types may actually bolt right on but I have never tried it.    36 parts are very thin on the ground. Ask me how I know

http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VA849

[David Platt]

Thank you Steve, Authenticity is no concern at this point. I'll use one from a John Deere if I have to.
I did find 3 shops that rebuild them, so that's my mission for next week. Oh what fun one year only cars are.
Dave

[Steve Passmore]

Well, they are all 'one year only' cars David but when the engine is one year only I agree its a bitch.