Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

[D S.]

What a dilemma. On eBay there is a litany of 'new reproduction distributor caps that are exactly like the originals' according to the descriptions. Patent Pending R, Patent Pending no R, Patent Pending with numbers of all kinds. Surely someone can differentiate the reproductions from the original ones. What do we look for when we want original equipment as opposed to the reproductions? Are the reproductions so close they won't lose points?

Thanks,
Scott

[Robert C.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

We will have to look at them to see. This is a new deal. These repro-parts come along year after year and there's always something unusual about the repro that tells us that they are different. Can't wait to see one.

[D S.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Bob, here's an eBay link to one. I think you might know the seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-68-PATENT-PENDING-DELCO-CAP-CORVETTE-NO-R-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ33688QQihZ005QQitemZ150206897773QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[Larry M.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

These distributor caps are being reproduced by Corvette Specialities of Maryland. They appear to be a good cosmetic reproduction, but I would like to hear about how well they work in service.

Recommend you purchase directly from CS of M, and not from the e-bay seller. He has a history of problems if you check the archives.

Larry

[Joe R.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Hi Scott:

The latest reproductions that have been out for one or two years are very good, and typically sell for $65 or so.

The only difference that I can find is the absence of the small fillet area as indicated by the yellow arrow on the attached photo of an original cap. This difference is so small that the deduction during Flight judging would likely be either zero or one point, depending on the judge.

NOS and used caps are still available for your car, and the market price has dropped since the new reproductions came out. So, if you are a stickler for originality, you should be able to find a correct original cap for $100 or less.

[D S.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Thanks, Joe. I love photographs on this TDB.

[Gene M.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Are the text lettering on the top of the repro cap clocked in the same position relative to the towers and the window as the originals?

[Joe R.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Okay Gene, you stumped me on that one! I never thought to look at that aspect.

I don't have a repro to compare, but attached is a photo of an original cap that has the "R". The clocking of the text is identical to an original "no R" cap that I have on the shelf. Maybe someone with a repro cap can compare the text clocking to this photo.

By the way, I would be reluctant to argue that ALL original caps had the text clocked the same way, considering that they made millions of these caps, presumably using multiple molds.

[Warren F.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Joe,

I have an original 1971 LS-6 Corvette distributor (complete) that was pulled from the car the day after being picked up new at the dealership. It has the exact lettering as you show in your picture. Date of this assembly is Dec 16, '70

[Gene M.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Guys,
I don't think the issue is the lettering (text, size, style, etc) but the relative position on the cap relative to the towers and the window. The reproduction ads showing the reproduction caps do not show this clearly at all. Does anybody have a reproduction cap to photo to share on this board?

I have not seen any relative clocking difference on original to original non "R" caps. But this does not insure there is or is not differences.

[M W.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

Here's a picture of the new one without the R. I think the biggest difference and I learned this first hand at the Chattanooga, TN Regional meet is that these do not have the small tabs as shown in a previous post. My cap took a single point deduction because of that. Otherwise the judges both thought it was a good example of the original style.
Good discussion here.

Cheers,
Craig W.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Distributor caps--reproduction versus original

those caps have been out for more then a year now
It is pretty easy to tell the reproduction.
The thickness of the lettering on the top of the cap is lighter then the originals - Kinda like they used a worn out mold.

The script is more like the later caps with the patent numbers on them.
One swipe of your finger over the printing, and it is easy to tell them apart.

I liked to joke that "Stevie Wonder could easily tell the difference"
between an original and the current repro D308 cap.