New Distributor on Old Flathead

Can one of those new aftermarket front-mount crab-type or diagonally-placed (you know, the top of it sticks up and to the left when viewed from the front of the engine) distrbutors be adapted to '39 flathead with the original distributor and front cover?

Thanks.

Deluxe

 

If your asking if a "new" crab style dizzy will fit on your 39 with the stock 2 bolt timing cover the answer is yes, if you want to run a 49-53 style dizzy you then need to get a 49-up front cover, a bolt on gear adaptor to accept the later dizzy, and then you gotta modify the cover to lock the dizzy in time. It can be done though will a little planing. Hope that helps somewhat.

 

Stock '39's had a three-bolt front cover. I think those new crab-style distributors can be bought in two or three bolt mount styles. Make sure you get the right one.

 

Thanks for your help.

Deluxe