Delco Remy Distributor Caps

[Kevin Morris]

My '72 is supposed to have a black distributor cap with the inscription "Delco Remy Pat. Pend. R" on the top of it. Does anyone know of a source for obtaining these?

Kevin #39927

[Joe L.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

Kevin-----

Ebay is one source. They seem to show up there pretty regularly. That's because sellers have found out that folks will get into bidding wars over these things and drive the prices way up---often over $100.

Al Fierke of Chicago Corvette used to have a supply of these things. I think that he's taken to the eBay route for selling them, though.

[Mike M.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

My knowledge of c-3's is limited but i believe you need a delco cap with pantent number xxxxxxx embossed on its top. the c-2's are the ones that take a cap as you describe in your post. mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps *TL*

No Mike, he has it right. The one with the patent number (in large numbers) began to show up in 1973-1974. There are, however, differences of opinion on this point, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some discussion on the issue.
He is looking for the distributor cap (pat. pend. R) that the current 1970-1972 TIM&JG calls for. I regularly see them for sale at swap meets, although most are used units in varying condition and prices.

[Mike M.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

thanks terry; i thought the # came in @ 1968. is it like this then: 63-67 pat pend, 68-72 pat pend r, then 3's came along in 73?Hell, i might get into c-3s some day but will have to live into my 80's to finish the unfinished c-1s and c-2s residing herein. regards, mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps *TL*

It is about like that Mike, but the change points are real fuzzy. The R came about some time in 1968, late in the MY IMHO. The real problem is that we see very few cars with original distributor caps, so at best we are making decisions based on very few examples. That is real bad research, but so far it is the best we have.

[Kevin Morris]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

Terry, et al,

Does anyone happen to know the part# for the specific cap that I am looking for? There are several on eBay, however the sellers generally just quote the Delco part numbers, and I have no idea what that number should be.

Kevin #39927

[Joe L.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

Kevin-----

The GM part number for the cap that you're looking for is GM #1971244. This cap is black and has aluminum contacts. However, this cap was manufactured and available from mid-1968 through September, 1992. So, it went through a lot of changes with respect to non-engineeering details. The "Delco-Remy" script, "patent pending" and "patent number" were among these non-engineering details that varied based upon the time period in which the particular cap was manufactured. On very late caps, even the "R" may not be present.

I have provided the above to be helpful, although it "pains" me, somewhat, to be drawn into discussions about these embossment details for distributor caps. I feel like it might imply that I am, as so many others seemingly are as evidenced by the prices paid for "correct" caps on eBay and elsewhere, fascinated or obsessed by the Delco-Remy distributor cap markings. For the record and once-and-for-all, I am decidely NOT fascinated or obsessed by original distributor cap markings. They are certainly a PART of the original cap configuration, but they are, surely, a VERY SMALL part of that configuration.

[Kevin Morris]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

Joe, I am reading my posts, regarding this topic, and I fail to see where I might have done anything to compel you specifically to feel "drawn into" this discussion. Please do not misunderstand, I always appreciate all responses to posts...my posts and everyone elses'. I have found this board to be very helpful and informative and try to respond, based on my limited knowledge, as well. However, if you feel that you are being taken advantage of, or drawn into discussions that are meaningless to you, I have an answer....simply don't respond.

Kevin #39927

[Mike E.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

I have a 30000 mile 71 that is only 148 from the end of production. I still has the original plug wires (dated, including 2Q71, which isn't available reproduction) and that has a Patent Pending R cap on it. The car has a lot of 72 parts on it--hope that helps.
Mike

[Tracy C.]

Are distributor caps even judged anyway??

Joe,

I for one appreciate your willingness to share even the smallest nanomicron of information on just about any part number inquired about on this board.

Please don't feel an apology or explanation is required. We love this stuff!!

I've never seen a NCRS judging event. I did watch the Bloomington Boys in action the first year the meet went to Springfield IL, but I don't remember then disassembling anything for judging.

Does the ignition shield and plug wires come off to judge things like dist cap markings and embossed part numbers on coils? Or do we chase this stuff down just because we seek perfection?

Perplexed a little myself,
tc

[Kevin Morris]

Re: Are distributor caps even judged anyway??

I clearly stated in my last post, I appreciate everyone's input on this board. I do not, however, believe this is the place to air one's frustrations over whether they feel they are being asked too much of. I threw my question out there for everyone, not just one specific person. Is that not what this board is for...to ask questions, get answers, share knowledge? End of discussion.

In response to your questions about whether certain ignition parts are to be judged or not, the TIM/JG I believe clearly states that distributor caps are to be judged for condition, and for the proper manufacturer's markings. Coils are to be judged for the correct reverse stampings in the casing and manufacturer's markings, and even (in the case of '70-72 cars) the presence of the points RFI shielding under the distributor cap is to be judged.

Kevin #39927

[Rob A.]

Re: Delco Remy Distributor Caps

If you look on ebay for this cap, look under a category other than corvette parts. Try generically under distributor cap, or camaro. You'll often find the same parts, even the "hard to find" ones that were used on other chevrolet cars for a much more reasonable price. Anyone listing parts under Corvette usually cranks up the price even on those items not peculiar to corvettes. The cap with the"R" is much easier to find and are often listed on ebay.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Are distributor caps even judged anyway??

You have to remove your shielding and air cleaner for judging. The cap is judged, as well as the coil, the distributor "date/number band", etc.....anything under the shielding.

53-54 cars have to remove the distributor cap. Why? The distributor number and date is stamped into the breaker plate under the cap. Chuck

[Jon S.]

Kevin you have email *NM*