'64 215 CID Six-Cylinder tune up parts

[scotzz]

Hello all.......I just purchased a very original, rust-free 1964 Tempest 4-dr sedan with a 215 six with automatic transmission. It has 50k miles. I am looking for a good source for tune-up parts and other miscellaneous stuff. The first items needed are:
1. Spark Plugs......service manual specs AC 46N but haven't had luck finding any
2. Distributor Cap, Rotor and Points
3. Kickdown Switch (mounted on carburator bracket) for automatic transmission.

Also, where can I find windshield wiper blades? It has old Trico metal and I just need the replacement blades.

Thanks, Scott

[Larry]

Before you jump into the more expensive market dealing in old car parts, and we are pretty sure the young guy behind the parts counter at the new kind of parts stores won't even know what a Tempest is, check with NAPA. They have always been good with older car parts.

They may even have a "universal" replacement for the kickdown switch. Possibly wiper blades also.

Keep us posted.

[Larry_Rarus]

Scott, the parts you're looking for are readily available for a GM 6-cylinder. You should have no trouble finding them locally. You just need to find a place where they don't key the stuff into a computer. They don't list far enough back. E-Bay is always an option for the harder-to-find things.

I have one suggestion, however. Consider replacing your points/condenser setup with a Pertronix II Ignitor electronic ignition upgrade. It's easier to install than a set of points, fits completely under the distributor cap and doesn't cost a boatload of money. I bought mine on E-Bay from Eastwood. I paid around $75 and it was worth every penny.

http://www.pertronix.com/new_products/ignition_press/ig_pg35.htm

[scotzz]

Larry and Larry,
Thanks for the quick replys with advice. I already found out that the young guys behind the counter at Strauss Auto didn't have a clue but the older guy at Pep Boys was somewhat helpful. I already found out tha the AC 46 N plugs are discontinued............I can find them on e-bay but it seems that 60's big-block Chevys use the same so they are going for a pretty penny. Searching around some I found that the NGK B5ES can be used as a substitute and has the correct heat range.

Regarding the kickdown switch I removed it and found that the plunger was rusted and stuck in the maximum depressed position. Using WD40 and a wire brush along with a file I managed to free it up where it returns to the normal position via internal spring. Turning the ignition on I could hear the solenoid in the transmission activate when I pushed the plunger in. A road test confirmed that the transmission now hifts into low when the pedal is pushed to the metal at slow speeds..........before it didn't downshift into low until you slowed down to 15mph or less. However, the switch is missing the protective rubber bellows so I am still going to hunt for a replacement. I will look for a universal unit as suggested.

The electronic ignition upgrade sounds appealing and I am going to consider it although the beautiy of these old cars is that there is little to go wrong. I was planning on replacing points, plugs, condenser, rotor, cap and relay with new stuff and keep the old stuff in the trunk. I have an old Sears engine analyzer which I can use to set up points and dwell angle. I love this old stuff!!!

Regards, Scott

[Larry]

Good news with the kick-down switch. You did right using WD-40. That is the best with anything electrical as it is inert, so to speak. It dissipates without leaving any residue. It is safe to use almost anywhere. I have even heard of people spraying it into their radio tuner and volume dials to eliminate static and scratching when the knobs were turned.

As for the tune-up parts, if you try NAPA, I'm still sure they will have them. Otherwise, if you get to any good size swap meets, these items are all over the place. There were so many different aftermarket manufacturers and somanycars using the same items that there are probably zillions of these items stil around. Buy two of everything when you do find them!

Little does go wrong with these older cars, and even when it does, they aren't like the new "light bulb" cars that when they fail, they are like a light bulb and just go dead.... nothing in between. I can't even imagine how many times I limped home with a car... but did in fact make it home without the use of a tow truck.

Keep us posted on your progress, and most of all, your fun!