Classic/Antique Car Repair: RF in my 1951 Ford Truck, old ford trucks, spark plug wires

Question
Where can I get the Radio capacitors (Coil, Generator, V. regulator) to eliminate this. All capacitors have been changed in radio. Truck is 239 f.head , with original 6 volt system

Answer
I assume you are asking about RF interference (noise) in your radio.  For this purpose, the same type of capacitor used inside your distributor will work just fine - just go to your local Auto Parts store and buy some ignition capacitors for any car (they are all approximately 0.5 microfarad, not that it matters) and are designed to absorb large voltage spikes, so they will last forever in this service.  If the clerk looks at you like you're from Mars, just ask him for ignition capacitors for a 1970 Dodge with point/condenser ignition - those will work fine.

It is important to install them with very short leads, and bolt the capacitor case clamp down to a clean bright metal solid case ground point on the device being filtered - with this type of interference, wires act as antennae, and must be kept to a minimum.

You should also devise a grounding strap for your hood - use a braided strap similar to an engine grounding strap - the type that some cars use from the top of the block to the firewall.  And adding one of those to ground the engine is also a good idea.

Lastly, make sure you are using modern spark plug wires with a resistive core, and spark plugs with built in radio supression resistance.  Almost all modern spark plug wires and plugs have this, but make sure. In Champion plugs, there will be an "R" in the plug number.

I also have old Ford trucks ('52, '64, '65 and '66) and when I got the '64 in 1982, it still had the original copper core spark plug wires in it. Since I have no radio in it, I wasn't aware of the havoc these cause until I took it in for the then mandatory smog check in CA.  I blew out two of the shop's smog test machines before we dummied up to what was causing it!  (Fortunately, I didn't have to pay for them!)

Good luck with your truck, and thanks for keeping the orignal engine and electrical system!  Too many of these vehicles are being modified.

Dick