Classic/Antique Car Repair: 50-51 Studebaker, model studebaker, condenser system

Question
Hello, I wanted to know if the 50 and 51 model Studebaker inline flathead 6 cyl could be upgraded from points to electronic ignition?

Thank you,
Ralph

Answer
Yes, it can be done, but it will require a lot of looking around to find the right parts, and some technical knowledge to make it work.  Your car has a 6 volt positive ground electrical system - the only electronic ignition systems I am aware of are 12 volt, negative ground, and would be destroyed by just hooking them up to your car.

I have to wonder why you are considering this change, however.  The old point/condenser system is pretty much bulletproof. It is simple and easily understood, and can be repaired by the side of the road with a hairpin and some chewing gum (I know, I've done it!).  If you have an electronic ignition system and it breaks down (and they DO break down) it is time for the tow truck, because the failure is always catastrophic - nothing you can repair yourself.  I advise everyone who has done this conversion to always carry the old distributor and coil with them, so that when the new system dies, you can switch the car back to the original system.

It is true that the old system requires service more frequently - say at l0,000 mile intervals, to keep it operating at peak efficiency, but how long does it take you to run up 10,000 miles on your bulletnose?  If you're like me, about 10 years!   The electronic system will fail before that, I assure you.  The aftermarket electronic systems are "one size fits all" designs, no where near as reliable as the factory provided systems in modern cars.

Good Luck to you, whatever you decide.

Dick (who remembers his 48 Land Cruiser fondly)