Classic/Antique Car Repair: Ignition points, 1952 ford f1, feeler gauge

Question
Could you please give me some info on the best way to install points and set the gap correctly. I am working on a 1952 Ford F1 pickup with the original 6volt pos ground system. Its been 20 years or more since I put points in a car.
Thanks so much,
Dennis

Answer
Depending on which engine your truck has, it can be easy or very difficult - since I don't know which you have, I'll just have to give you a generic answer.

First, don't change the points unless you also change the condensor, as they always must be replaced together.  The reason points fail is that the condensor ages and goes off the optimum capacitance, causing erosion of the contacts.  If there are pits on the points, that is what has happened to you.

Second, if you don't have a dwell angle meter to set the points, you can only approximate the gap setting.  To get the engine to run, using a feeler gauge, set the gap at 0.025" if it is a 6 cyl, or 0.015" if it is an 8, and then take it to someone with a dwell angle meter to set them right.  The specs are 36 degrees for the 6 and 28 degrees for the 8.

Dick