Distributor oiling tube for radio delete cars

[Edward M.]

OK, we know that for cars with radios, the distributor (1110872) oiling tube of the early 1956 cars came out of the distributor, then curved toward the rear of the car, then up so the oiling cap was behind the ignition shielding.

The later 1956 1110879 (and the 1957 and up 1110891) distributors has the oiling tube coming out of the distributor, then curving toward the front of the car, then up so that the oiling cap was in front of the ignition shielding.

OK, what about for cars that were radio delete, and therefore had no ignition shielding? Did the oiling tube for the 872 or 879 (and the later 891s) change as a result of this? Did they perhaps use a straight out and up oiling tune (like the passenger cars did)?

Also, should we not document the differences in the oiling tubes between the 872 and the 879 1956 distributors in the 56-57 judging manual. I have an 872 that came out of car # 2117, and is dated 6 C 5 (March 5, 1956) with the correct oiling tube on it.

[Edward M.]

Re: Distributor oiling tube for radio delete cars

John Hinckley was kind enough to point out the obvious. The engine was shipped to the assembly plant with the distributor installed. Whether or not the car had a radio was determined at the assembly plant. So, the distributors (and hence the oiling tubes) would be the same, radio and ignition shielding or not.

Also, for your reading enjoyment...

March 1, 1956 P&A Catalog


For the 1110872 distributor:


2.364 Oiler Assembly - Wick - Spring - Cup, Distributor Lubricating
56 CORV housing (cap, tube and wick)..........1927396

March 1, 1957 P&A Catalog

For the 1110879 and 1110891 distributors:

2.364 Oiler Assembly - Wick - Spring - Cup, Retainer Distributor Lubricating
56 CORV housing (w/dual points)(w/1110879)..........1935509
57 CORV housing use w/1110891 ...........................1937666

I am surprised that there is a difference in the oiling tube housing between the 1110879 and the 11110891 distributors. I wonder what the difference is.