• Distributor from the kit or parts box that has virtually no cap detail

• 22 Gauge Wire Insulation or similar

• Super Glue

• Scale Ignition wiring

• File or Sandpaper (Your Preference)

• Drill Bit and Pin Vise

• Hobby Knife

• Ruler

A new method for a standard practice. During our last meeting after the In House Contest Awards were given out I wanted to look over the winning models a little closer. Paul Kaszanek’s first place winner, a 1966 teal colored Chevelle, called out for a closer look. What caught my interest was the unique method Paul devised for wiring the distributor on his car. The result was an accurate looking pre electronic ignition system distributor. The best part was the need for drilling 6 or 8 precisely positioned holes on the 1/25th scale cap was virtually eliminated. The only hole necessary to be drilled was the center coil wire hole.

Examine the distributor, if it has no cap detail it’s ready to go. If it has bumps prepare the Distributor by gently sanding smooth around the cap portion. (See figure1) Now your in business. Proceed to the next step. Take the drill bit that matches the gauge of the ignition wire you’ll be using and insert it in a pin vise. Drill a hole in the center of the distributor cap. This will be for the coil wire. (See figure 2)

Using your hobby knife cut enough lengths off the wire insulation to suit your ignition systems requirements. (See figure 4) Using the super glue of your choice attach these insulation sections flat side against the distributor cap. (See figure 5)

Once dry paint the cap the color that applies to your project. Check dealer brochures, car events or check car club websites for engine pictures for these color references. I know that Mopars use beige although black is acceptable for their application. Set this aside to dry. Cut appropriate lengths of ignition wire. Next insert them into an epoxy glue mix and stick each wire into each insulator on the distributor. By using epoxy you’ll create that extra speck of glue at the top of each insulator. Once dried, paint this blob of glue, the color of the wire your using. You’ve now created the illusion of a rubber grommet on an accurately formed distributor cap. You can go further by adding a cone shaped piece of sprue to resemble a "vacuum advance". Paint two rectangular stripes on either side of the cap to resemble the retainer clips. Remember, assemble each piece as if it were a separate model. You can go as far as you want. All it takes is a little imagination and some reference material. You’ll be surprised with your end result as well as the way this distributor will compliment the rest of the engine compartment.