new distributor - rusted mechanical advance

[joelspider]

My mechanical advance on my 1978 spider is rusted. I mean really rusted. No wonder I was having a hard time timing it. In any case, I am considering changing the distributor to a set up without points. Any recommendations. I don't want to spend a fortune. Alternatively, can I purchase just the mechanical advance? Thoughts. What would you do? It is a street car that I'm working on with my son. Thanks for your help.

[FordPrefect]

I recently had my mechanical advance seize up, it's pretty simple to pull apart, clean, lube, and rebuild.

[nelsonj]

Vick's has really reasonable prices on new dizzy's set for electronic ignition. I'd at least call them to see what a full change over would cost.

Peace.
Out.

[lglade]

There's a video or two out there on rebuilding a Fiat distributor. It's not very hard to do and gives you some great insight as to how they work. Even if you decide to replace the dizzy, you might tear it down and see if you can clean it up, replacing the bearings and seals along the way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7_6_PsweOk

[chrisg]

cleaning it up & installing a Pertronix trigger/changing coil would be a nice, simple way to go. That has the advantage of in theory at least retaining the proper advance curve for the engine. That said, the late 1800 advance curve may be pretty lousy for a sports car.

[Yadkin]

I recently had my mechanical advance seize up, it's pretty simple to pull apart, clean, lube, and rebuild.

This. Phosphorus acid (diet Coke) works well for taking off light rust. I've used Muriatic on heavier rust and made parts look brand new. The trick is recoating to prevent rapid rust-over.