Technical Identify unusual distributors

What do you know about these flathead distributors?

 

Looks pretty cool like somebody converted A later 49 to 53 distributor to fit a earlier block on the front cam mount

 

Do they have any mechanical advance? You can tell by holding the distributor drive and trying to turn the rotor. If you can turn the rotor one way a bit, it has mechanical advance. If you can't then it doesn't.

 

Nope, they are early Delco mechanical and vacuum advance 8 cyl units converted to early ford flathead. They look to be G.M. pre V8 like maybe early Pontiac, Buick or Olds inline 8. They also look to be very nicely done, I would love to know their history!

 

Wow, that's cool.

 

I agree they look like Delco units and do have mechanical advance. One also has vacuum advance. My question is what were they used on. Race cars, boats, industrial, farming ???? Do they have any collector value?

 

on a tech side--are the upper and lower halves a press fit of some type?

 

The two halves are a slip fit and will rotate so you can adjust the timing. One has a set screw to lock it, the other one is made with a split type clamp.

 

Those are pretty cool, but I bet they won't fit in a stock car. As the distributor cap may be too large between the radiator and it? Possible hot rod applications

 

thanks!