Apparently there are no stupid questions, with the exception of the one I am about to ask. How do you remove the contact plate on a 42-46 crab distributor? I want to tear this thing down, clean and lobe, and set the timing. Chris.
http://www.bubbasignition.com/crab-42-48.html Remove side timing screw, then remove connector from side, then internal wire snap ring etc.......A small punch works pretty well on the side connector.......
At end of process, contact has to be in before timing as it puts a lateral load on plate...on contact I just use a needle nosed piers, opened up so the tips go into the notches. Your next queastion...why won't the insides come out?? You need to undo the big nut and take out the brake pad to do that! And if piston is stuck inside its bore, find a tap that will thread into it so you can pullitout!
Here's a long, confusing post with lots of crab ranting http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ive-got-a-point.257066/