automotive distributor cap material of the 1960s

[Tmoose]

Was there a "standard" material for the black distributor caps on US cars of the 1960s? I think I remember Echlin/Accel saying their tan colored high performance caps were of some Alkyd material, as if that was different and "better" than OEM.

And second, probably regardless of the material, was carbon black or something similar used to make the black color?

thanks,

Dan T

 

[IRstuff]

The ones I seem to recall was some sort of Bakelite.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[unclesyd]

I think you are correct in saying that the high performance caps are primarly made from Alkyd moulding compounds with all sorts of others added. I've seen caps made from phenolics, silicones, nylons, and various combinations thereof. Some years ago we made some co-polymers that were to go for distributor caps.
As far as the colorant for the a partiular moulding compound I think they would use inorganic pigments though some carbon black or bone char maybe added to lower the price. Something is conductive as you know, the caps are good at arc tracking.

From a catalogue:

"Manufactured From Innovative, Space Age Plastic, Combines The High Dielectric Strength Required For Today's High-Energy Ignition Systems With Highly Impact-Resistant Qualities Thus Preventing Damage."

http://www.shepherdcolor.com/Products/ColorChart.aspx

 

[patprimmer]

To the best of my knowledge, almost all dissy caps in the 60s where Phenyl Formaldehyde. It has a natural brown colour but some where coloured black. I don't know the colorant, but I suspect carbon black.

Some lighter coloured high performance caps where made of alkyde resins and in the mid 70s Glass Fibre reinforced PBT was also introduced to reduce manufacturing costs and impact strength.

Regards
Pat
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