MTFCA Forum

In finally getting around to "fixing" my coil tester I have a couple of questions for those more in the know that may have better knowledge than I do. The coil tester works as it should but the wiring is in need of help. Someone before me had been into to it to replace some of the wiring, bad vinyl wiring and plastic crimp-on terminals, while leaving original cloth-covered wire (with missing insulation) in a couple of "hard to reach" spots. The HCCT Handbook says that 16ga wire is suitable, and that bears out with what is left of the original wiring (not much). As far as the color, was it all just one color wire, black, or were different colors used?

Second, in regards to the wiring terminals was it all the same or different terminals at different locations? I only have 2 of the original terminals and the are both ring/flag style terminals. Originally was it all one style or a mix (ring, ring/flag, spade, spade/flag), depending on location? I would just like to get it as right/correct as possible.This is on an original Ford built unit. Thank you for looking and for any help you may be able to offer.

Can only suggest to use cloth covered wiring of that gauge, and ring terminals, like Ford used on wiring harness to wiring block on firewall. Color might be cool, but black is nice too.

This pic shows black wire laced in the magneto coil frame holes, looks factory that way. Ford unit made 1920, so wiring material would be Model T like supplies.

I have plenty of era correct wire terminals (heavy) in both closed and fork style eyes. Send me an email with quantity.

Hank

So old they have the wire sizes stamped on the back.

This is a photo of one of the only 2 original ring/flag terminals that are currently on the tester. This one runs from the meter to the inductor.


As Dan had said, "ring terminals, like Ford used on wiring harness to wiring block on firewall", so it would not be too far of a stretch to think that they would have used the same terminals all the way through. Terminals I have plenty of and cloth-covered wire, I always bought more than I needed from Rhode Island Wiring, who are now closed and maybe to re-open with new ownership in the future. As far as wire color, your basic black throughout as well. I will probably use black and black with tracers for some of the wiring, just to help differentiate, for the next guy.

Fairly close looking flag terminals for 14/16 ga are still available from Del City. They come in two varieties, one punched for a #10 stud, other punched for 1/4" stud. They are solder type and unfortunately can only be bought in packs of 100 for about 20 bucks.