Re: Cutouts

Posted by Larry Jenkins on October 28, 1997 at 15:51:49

In Reply to: Re: Cutouts
posted by Bob Johnson on October 28, 1997 at 09:26:45

: Mike,
: I would tend to agree with Bob but that is because I have built electronic projects such as computers from scratch.I see Mikes point also.However if someone were not very mechanically inclined a broken cutout in the middle of nowhere stops you dead regardless if it is mechanical or electronic.My point is that a well made electronic cutout will outlast a well made mechanical cutout.The key here is 'well made'.Most if not all of the original parts on a Model A were well made.So if you can find an original cutout that is in good condition use it.You do not want to use an original cutout that is not in good condition (bad points, corrosion, etc)But if you have to get a reproduction part then the quality is more important than electronic vrs mechanical.I think that Mike's experiences are due to poorly made parts and not old vrs new technologies. A reproduction mechanical cutout has just as good a chance of being poorly made (therefor breaking down) as an electronic cutout. If you buy a part from a parts house and it is not made very well return it or at least tell the parts house.Most of the parts houses want to sell well made parts.OK off the soap box.
: Bob
Hi Bob.
I can remember when the diode cutout idea emerged some years ago.I installed the conversion in my 31 Roadster with no problems at all.I seem to recall the diode was Motorola's HEP 151.Then I recall articles in earlier Restorers that stated other "similar" diodes didn't work that well, and to make sure that the HEP 151 was used, and nothing else.
I'll bet there are other diodes now that work equally well or better.
Larry Jenkins

Follow Ups:
Re: Cutouts Bob Johnson October 28, 1997 at 16:27:52(1)
Re: Cutouts Mike Flanagan October 28, 1997 at 17:50:26(0)

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