Chris, I am 81 years old, not a dummy, aircraft instrument specialist USAF. I with your teaching finally understand the simple point system! Thank you I got the POINT after all these years. lol, I am building a 350 1969/70 chevy in my garage as we speak. I can't believe I did not know how this system worked. I have been building hot rods for about 65 years or so, go figure. THANKS AGAIN GOD BLESS FROM VANCOUVER WASHINGTON

@chriscraft77022

Жыл бұрын

im 38 now but i challenged myself in my 20s to be able to drive old carbureted cars everywhere.. most people have electrical problems that scare them to a point they dont drive farther than the gas station in their old hot rod... so now i just share it the best i can... my dad told me about the hot 12v to the coil upon starting when i was around 14

Oddly this is the only video on YT that shows how to wire a points ignition system.

points and condensor wiring has worked real good for 100 years,even magnetos have points and they used them in AA FUEL CARS,think about that,1500 horse power fired by points and condensor,all of my vehicles now are point system after breaking down in the desert 3 months ago,not going to happen again,and its just wheels,damn good job on the tutorial i'm old,i'm a master mechanic of 47 years,and schooled by gm and forgot all of this,by 1975 everything gm had a HEI setup in it,if you don't use it,you lose it,thanks again,very informative,esp the part about the run wire off the old style starters,thanks CHRIS

Thank you for this lost info I'm returning my 74 Pontiac 350 back to points after 3 bad HEI dissys and I'm old school 73years young It is now a 383 with a 428 crank not for racing but my daily driver had 165hp now about 325hp go to pass safely pull a trailer not for racing but a good boost in power back to say 1965. You are the first person who explained this so simple.

Thank you so much for this! just got a 70 cutlass and was needing a video like this!! This has helped me more than you know!

This was the best video that explained step by step on how to install the wiring

i know its 2020 but this still showed me how to hook up the positive wire from the coil to the starter which is from 1962 chevy c10. Didnt know if i hooked it up to the ignition switch or not. Now i know, its to the starter R Letter. Thanks.

Awesome video... I’m temporarily adapting an update wiring harness to use points until funds pick up and this totally explained it perfectly! Thanks

I LOVE THE SOUND OF A 454 , YOU MADE ME SMILE WHEN THAT BABY STARTED!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE INFO < VERY WELL DONE!!

Very good video. I haven’t worked with points in decades and just bought a Buick with points. Thanks for giving me a nice refresher course! 👍👍👍👍

Thanks Chris. Got my 69 Camaro running today after watching this.

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

make videos.. we all want to see a 69 camaro in any shape

Duuuuuddeeeee thank you so much! This cleared up so much for me. I’m dropping in a 383 stroker on a 57 bel air. Im scrapping the old points ignition and the 3 pole starter and running an MSD ignition system and a 2 pole starter. I’ve been scratching my head trying to learn how the original wiring system works so I could convert it over to my new set up. This video made my life so much easier. Thank you for your knowledge.

@chriscraft77022

6 жыл бұрын

ask me anything... i know everything about what you are doing... you dont have to ditch the starter, btw...

@jasoncalzon

6 жыл бұрын

Chris Craft Yeah dude understanding the purpose of the ignition component makes such a difference. I bought a 383 off of Craigslist and it came with a complete MSD ignition system, and a 3 pole starter. So when I wire up my MSD ignition could I delete the “R” terminal to the coil?

@chriscraft77022

6 жыл бұрын

exactly

Dude! Wish I would have seen this BEFORE I swapped to an HEI lo. Still this was immensly helpful. Thank you so much, I finally understand how points distributors are wired up and much more.

Great video, also here in Belgium :) hope to get my 83 Trans Am MSE to start, it has this old style ignition installed by Mecham in 1983 but now it won't start anymore, we will check all the wires and systems as you showed! Thanks!

Thank you!!! I’m sorting out a 56 Oldsmobile at the moment and this helped out a bunch. Now I just have to figure out what wires go to what and I can put it together

Thanks so much for your videos, because of your videos you have made my restoration so much easier

Thanks. Trucks running because of your video! Keep making videos!

Very good video I really appreciate the information and the way you laid everything out

One of the clearest videos still to date on KZread on this subject LOL Nice work man!

thank you for the vid,,i really didnt know any of this,,,im a new tube backyard mechanic,,it is my first rodeo,,and ive decided to do all my own work on my dads old square body he left me when he died,,i am currently putting back together the top half of the 350 small blck,,now with 305 heads new edlbrock intake,,deleted air conditioner,,,and the same dirty old distributer,,,,,,,lol nothing looks the same so,,,thank you for your knowledge,,,

Amazing video. I’m a Navy veteran, going through a separation with wife, and need to get my 1970 c10 started asap I’m moving out this weekend. Wish me luck bro!!!

@chriscraft77022

9 ай бұрын

I hope it works out for you.. feel free to ask me anything... I know all about those trucks.. I built a 67 CST before youtube.. GOOD LUCK

@nickizcool20

9 ай бұрын

@@chriscraft77022 thanks brother I really really appreciate you. America 🇺🇸 needs more people like you

@Chuncy566

3 ай бұрын

For nickizcool I went thru that 55 yrs ago,best move I ever made,and was carefull that I never stepped in that pile of crap again. Your doing the right thing.

@Chuncy566

3 ай бұрын

​@@chriscraft77022I'm going to get rid of my electronic distributor on my 77 chev impala,( question) can I just cut the ends off of my spark plug wires on the distributor end and buy different ends & put them on instead of buying new wires, do parts stores have them to sell? Thank you

thank you for posting this. It is very helpful

Thank you! Bought a 72 CS and been trying get it sorted out. Think I got it.

Good, easy to understand video. Good job Chris.

I appreciate your explanation of the points ignition and adjustment. I will be on it tomorrow, thank you.

Another great video brother!!😉👍🏻👍🏻🇨🇦

Good job im older owned a lot of old chevy trucks and you did a good job of explaining this video

This video has saved me so much time and trouble. I'm installing a 67 Chevelle motor into a custom application. Thanks so much!

great video, thank you for the breakdown...very very helpful!!

Great video, Thanks! I'm carrying an old Blue Streak uniset for my distributor because my '66 Pontiac came with Pertronix which I'm unfamiliar with and fear it may give out unexpectedly like GM HEI modules do. I think the woven covering on the old GM resistor wire is asbestos. It has that color to it. If I remember right, that wire is steel, maybe, but not copper and can get really hot.

Chris OMG thank you bought a 1973 olds supreme working on spark issues and this is perfect information thank you very much

Great video I'm struggling with a ignition problem now. This helped me quite a bit. Still not getting spark out the distributor though..scratching my head..

Points ignition is underrated

Good video man thanks this helps me quite a bit on my old 69 C10

thank you sooooo much. your info was golden. appreciate you taking the time to show and explain what's up. you rock bro.

Good video you explain everything well .. detailed

Great video! I got a 62 Impala with a 327, the guy before me had everything ripped apart and the wiring wasn’t color coded right so I was pulling my hair out trying to figure it out, I watched your video and I wired it in 10 mins! Thanks! I really want to go electronic ignition though and have a Mallory street king distributor, it has 3 wires coming out of it and the old one has 1 wire like yours in the video, it also has a plug on the cap and I am not sure what all I need to switch it over, can you please let me know? I am not a big points fan! Too much trouble, and at high rev they just aren’t capable of keeping up like electronic does!

HI, and thanks for the great video. I was wondering if you could help me with two questions about the ignition coil that I can't find --ANYWHERE--: (1)Is the internal secondary wire connected to the "+" or the "-" terminal of the ignition coil? (2) In which directions are the two coils wound, say, looking down at the top of the ignition coil? Also are they wound in the same or opposite directions? Thanks again...

Do you need a ballast resistor if there is already a resistor wire in the harness coming from the ignition switch?

Well done, well said, good job, thank you you.

great video, I love your videos, cause I own 72 Monte Carlos,,, Typical 350's but I also have a 72 Custom, with BB and factory Tach, which is not working/hooked up.

This is a great video by the way. I was wondering is it necessary to run ballast resistor type wire with it's connections? I noticed you are not but they may get hot and probably should use the heat shielded wire? What do you know on that? thx

After filing or using emory paper on the points, I always use an un coated, plain business card to clean the abrasive residue off. Just open the points and place the card between them and drag it back out. This will prevent pitting and early carbon build up.

The diagram was very helpful. Thx.

Great easy to understand video , good job Keep it up Thanks

What is the name of the kit do I have to request in changing my ig system from points to electronic

Great and helpful man...thank you

thanks for the video...it helped!

Very good video, trying to have a get me home setup as backup to get me home if my hei distributor fails in the area of the magnetic pickup coil.I carried an old backup hei distributor but spark to the plugs kept coming and going.I carry extra control modules and coils.This is for my 1980 oldsmobile 2door Delta88 with a 5.0L 307 v-8 engine 4-barrel carb with ac.I had purchased an early gm oldsmobile points and condenser distributor to fit engine, coil and ballast resistor as a back up at first. your video helped me to understand how to wire it up.Hei distributor are good but you can't see the failure coming.I mean when they shut down they shuts down.

@chriscraft77022

Жыл бұрын

you learn to carry an extra ignition control module in the glove box... thats what leaves you stranded on the HEI

Don't worry about the hater s they will always be I've done this type of work most of my life just forgot how to old age is getting to me thanks for your time billy

i have a 76 monte carlo there a power wire running behind the engine an runs inside the fire wall but it also runs to my alternator and to distributer is that correct?

Great detailed video

Thanks for info.! ...Newk from Kentucky

video is an absolute lifesaver, thanks

Don't mind the haters Chris! This is helping me wire my 83 k10 and understand how it works.

Took out my old GM points distributor and coil. Got a PerTronix Flame Thrower stock look and a Flamethrower Coil. Can’t get my chevelle to start but it turns over and my positive battery cable starts to smoke as I’m trying to start the car up bro needs some help!!!

Does this coil work on a micra k11, 1996 model

Nice video but one point of clarification. The manual states never to use emery cloth to clean the points. Use only a points file designed for that purpose. And, do not attempt to remove all roughness from the contact surfaces unless they are badly pitted. A simple dressing with the file is usually all that is needed for proper operation.

@marzsit9833

2 жыл бұрын

flat surfaces are needed if you set the point gap using a feeler gauge. if you use a dwell meter you don't have to worry about the surfaces being flat but they should be smooth, not rough.

Is this the same for an 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood? My resistance wire from the ignition was burned to crisp.

I had 69 Camaro that had a high and variable tach reading, turned out it was a bad voltage regulator. We were running a stock set up and wiring harness.

Great wiring diagram thanks , I'm redoing my landcruiser and going to do it like you have yours

@chriscraft77022

Жыл бұрын

I would wire it back land cruiser but it probably is very similar anyway

Chris my condesor is installed horizontal bolted to the intake is that from GM or previous owner with bracket and everything

I love this video man you the best

Cheers heaps mate from Australia building my burnout car an I’m gona use this as my starter harness cheers

First time working on a points system. I’m doing a time up on my stock 57 Bel Air with a 283.

I would like to see a how-to video on the points and condenser replaced, set up and timed.

Thank You ! Good job ! Right now I'm trying to hook up a coil on a 55 Chevy Belair 6 cylinder I'm not doing very well

@edwardalamo2507

4 жыл бұрын

In 1955 the Chevrolet mounted the 6 cylinder coil up side down , I could never understand why , I finally found out why , to save money on the length of wire, remember they made one million 300 thousand cars

Don't worry about the haters not everyone can understand what you're talking about. Thanks about the resistor though I didn't even think about that!!

I got a 95 s10 with a 283 from a 60s Chevy Chevelle (I think) the coil is mounted sideways, can you tell me why it is bad to have it sideways?

Great videos , I've learned a lot , thanks! I would love it if you could answer a question for me please , I have a 71 Chevy Impala and it has points , I'm having a running out of gas symptom ,but it's not out of gas ,, could I be having a problem with my R wire ? Like if the R wire is shorting out or something would that make the car shout off ? Thanks

@chriscraft77022

3 жыл бұрын

no

Hey bro what's the part number on that upper radiator hose ?? I need a hose like that bad

I have a 71-350 on the stand ready to go in it,but had this prob with the old 283,cleaning parts now to go back with the 350

Tks buddy.. Helped me alot.. Cleared up all the other circuits clutter for me by drawing the diagram on the white board..

This video help me so much

😢can I just change the terminals on the distributor ends of the spark plug wires instead of buying new ones? Do the parts stores have them? It looks like to me all the points or the electronic module do is make and break rapidly to turn off and on the coil (on the negative side) to make the high voltage side fire. Like a switch w/8 position s. Please answer the first part,thank you.

Hey bro, I just recently replaced my original starter on my 69 cutlass with a new one which does not have the "R" terminal. Im just curious as to where the remaining wire that was on the "R" is supposed to hooked up to if there isnt a spot for it

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

it goes back to the coil so it’s hot.. just disconnect the yellow 2nd wire at the coil... if you run points you need that wire hooked up to the starter.. if not you need to get power from the 10g purple to the solenoid to give 12v when cranking it

I HAVE A HEI DISTRIBUTOR AND WHENEVER I PLUG IT IN THE DISTRIBUTOR IT BLOWS MY FUSE WHAT IS WRONG?

Hi Chris Craft, just curious, isn't the current coming at the starter & Ignition coil high voltage for 18 and 20 gauge wires? Would not 10g or bigger sizes be more suitable - and also, what TYPE of wires are better for Ign Sys ... say Copper, Tinned Copper, etc??? I'm a novice in auto and I'm just trynna learn from the well experienced. Thx!

@chriscraft77022

3 жыл бұрын

these are the factory size wires

I figure the heavy green wire is from S position on starter to middle pole position on key switch, i see a heavy white wire under the Tach and coil wire but don't know where it goes ?

Thanks for info

I’m working on a 472 , I have no spark, what voltage should I be getting at the coil with the key turned trying to start ?

@chriscraft77022

3 жыл бұрын

6 to 9 volts ign on,, 12+ volts while cranking

Interesting….I’m going through and checking everything on this Buick 455 I built and on my coil I have a capacitor not a resister hooked to the positive side. This video was helpful though, just wanna make sure it’s all perfect before I fire it up for the first time.

@chriscraft77022

2 жыл бұрын

the cap would do the same as giving it 12v when cranking from the starter.. the resistor is because the car is 12v not 6v .. the wire on yours should be resisted down too..

Hi where would I run the electric choke on the points system?

Thanks Chris, I have an Auburn Replica ( Used in the Movie The Beach Bum with Snoop Dog driving it) I am having a no spark issue. The wire from my R terminal runs back under the dash in a wiring mess. I did find the Resister. I don't have a wire from R to the positive side of the coil. You stated some cars run with it and some without it. Mine doesn't have it, would it hurt to rewire it like you have it? I just wont run the wire from 'R' back to the dash, I can leave it off and then use a new 20 gauge like you show. I check the orange wire from the resistor, it has 12 volts but when cranking the engine it down to 4 volts. Is that the way it should be since there is a resistor in the line? Thank you for your videos, I am learning a lot from you.

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

have you ever seen it run? in real life? first question: what is an Auburn replica? i need year, make, and model

On a HEI distributor upgrade do you still need the resistor? Thanks for your help.

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

no

@chevybel6287

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

hi chris....been enjoying your very helpful videos ....wondering if you could explain the ignition switch to a 55 chevy.....trying to install the same coil and resistor as in video but getting somewhat blocked with the switch scheme....the connection for to coil and from resistor (IGN-2) and next to it (the long one)a connection for to resistor/oil light????on my electrically not so correct chevy i see no wire actually going through the resetter direct to the coil...could this be correct????i live in france and just can't anyone that has a blipp of an idea....would be nice if you could take the time for an old chevy guy lost in france...thanks ---gary

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

I made a video to show how it is wired.. wire it like that to get it running then figure out the rest.. people do all kinds of stupid things to wiring .. it can always be changed later

How about for the distributor with two wires? White brown and White Black? Where should I connect those wires? Pls reply. Thanks

Good information, but do you really need the distraction of the radio going in the background?

Great video!

great video

I went from points to electronic. I bypassed the ballast resistor, electronic Chrysler dizzy with after market module fixed, new 12v coil. Tach was reading high and the engine would stall after a big rev. Ended up being the wrong 12v coil, so I bought a Bosch BIC290. Fixed it all.

@edwardalamo2507

4 жыл бұрын

After market high voltage coils will burn out your stock 7mm spark plug wires

@Dazza.

4 жыл бұрын

Edward Alamo the leads are fine but the coil just expired!!!

On my 70 vette, I have the stock calibrated wire going to the coil exactly as you show in this video. If I am upgrading my coil to a mallory Promaster is the stock resistance wire sufficient or should I also use an external resistor along with the stock wire? I guess what I am confused about is why I would need an external resistor if the car is already setup up with that factory calibrated wire (the cloth covered wire)? Thanks great videos

@johnphillipsjr7238

5 жыл бұрын

Eric Schmid you don’t need a resistor if your car has a factory resistor wire.

@chriscraft77022

5 жыл бұрын

hook it up with the original coil wire.. first.. some aftermarket coils need 12V but it will specify on the box..

@carlyandt6748

5 жыл бұрын

Eric Schmid you don't

You mention a resisted wire coming from the ignition switch at about 4 minutes into the video. Is a ballast resistor necessary if there is a resisted wire?

@chriscraft77022

5 жыл бұрын

no, just check voltage.. like 6-9 volts to coil..

Great video..I have a question I have a 71 chevy van..my ignition switch has 7 tabs..IGN...G1...G2..SOL..ACC..and 2 BAT. tabs....at this time I have a pink wire to the IGN tab...a purple wire to the SOL tab..a brown & black/white wire to the ACC tab..one red wire to the BAT tab...two tan wires to the G2 tab and a 2 green wires to the G1 tab. I'm wondering were do I attached the yellow wire from the R pole from the solenoid??...I have the ballast on that wire..but not sure were to put it on the ignition switch. When I start the van it runs.. BUT when I release the key to the on position it shuts down??...( this is happening without the yellow wire attached). I also should mention that the purple wire is from the safety neutral switch which is attached to the SOL tab on the ignition switch..hope this all makes sense..

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

take the ballast off and make sure the wire going to coil is not already resisted down( covered in cloth) ..

@petersindo6981

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Craft .....so I keep the wire I have on now....which comes from the R on the solenoid to the + on the coil ..(which is a plain 20 gauge wire) ...and add another one to the + on the coil to the ignition with no ballast......right??.....so what tab on the ignition switch should I connect this new wire to...the IGN...G1...G2...SOL...ACC...or to the BATT?...

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

no.. run new 18g wire WITH BALLAST and wire it to fuse box IGN.. to + side of coil

@petersindo6981

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Craft ........ok .....so hook new wire with ballast to the fuse box IGN?..not to the ignition switch IGN tab...

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

@@petersindo6981 anywhere marked IGN on with key is fine

Hello Chris. Could you clarify for me...I just installed an electronic distributer in a new GM 350 (L64) in my 67 Camaro. It seems like I need 3 wires connected to the positive side of my Master Blaster coil: one from Distributer, yellow one from starter, and one from ignition source (fuse box in my case). Does this sound correct???

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

Did you even watch the video? I clearly show how it’s wired.. this is not electronic ignition

@brucerexrode7031

4 жыл бұрын

@@chriscraft77022 I did watch, and rewound a couple of times. I understand it's points and condenser on your video...just thought that without mine being hei, the wiring might be the same. Sorry to waste your time.

@chriscraft77022

4 жыл бұрын

@@brucerexrode7031 I dont know what your car has on it.. I cant tell you to wire it up and then it catches on fire... I clearly show it wired... that's the point of the video

I could be actually right when I mention that tachometers usually have a setting for number of cylinders. I would look for a switch somewhere on the meter that allows that to be adjusted. I just changed points and condenser on my 73 motorhome today with 350 ci engine it started out running like that but while it was running badly like that I turned the swell screw clockwise to lessen point gap and that caused the engine to run very smoothly with dwell of 35% as indicated on my swell/tach meter which also has an adjustment switch to go from 6 to 8 cylinders. For 4 cylinder engines it instructs to set for v8 and double reading.

@edwardalamo2507

4 жыл бұрын

I think you mean dwell

@briizcustoms9543

Жыл бұрын

I’ve got a 1976 Chevy Itasca on a p20 chasis. I can not find out what the green wire is. After I got a new alternator put it my clusters all spin crazily. Any advice?

In 1978 I bought my sister and brother-in-law 1970 SS that bought new , on the breather it had a sticker 396/375 hp all stock had 115000 miles on it , 400 the it always ideld at 1100 rpm sitting still in drive.

@sonnydurham3569

3 жыл бұрын

I always used a dewell meatore to set my points which was around 32 d with the vacuum line off

I have a 1967 El Camino & was wondering bout that cloth wire, because sometimes the ignition switch won’t turn the engine over,I put a button on it but was wondering if I hooked up the yellow wire if that would help?

@lildudechevman

3 жыл бұрын

Its hei ignition right now

@chriscraft77022

3 жыл бұрын

you need to run 12v to the HEI not the cloth wire

@lildudechevman

3 жыл бұрын

@@chriscraft77022 I do have 12 volts to HEI dist. But the ignition switch won’t send power to solenoid in the crank position.

Just asking to make sure.... the S terminal is hooked where? I have a ignition switch with just a Run, Off, Accessory . I then have a push button to start the car.

@chriscraft77022

5 жыл бұрын

s is hooked to the push button in your case... you may have to run a relay if the button is light duty.. im guessing you are asking about S on the starter solenoid

@kmjans90

5 жыл бұрын

@@chriscraft77022 yes, great video.... thank you for the quick response