Customs What is this?

Car: 1959 Ford Galaxie.
Engine: 292
Trans: Manual OD

I cant find in my shop manual what this perforated, resistor looking thing is next to the coil. It is hooked up to the distributor side of the coil. Is it needed?


There is also a ballast resistor for the switch side (other side)of the coil.

 

Radio static suppressor? how does the engine run with it unhooked?

 

Havent got that far yet. Has set for a long time. The car was an OD car and had straight manual swapped in it. Trying to eliminate and figure out just what I need to get it running....

That makes sense though....

 

Today's spark plug wires are far superior to what was available when the car was new and is for the elimination of static in the radio. HRP

 

alright, thanks guys