Repairing a vacuum advance

Question:

I have a 1955 Willys truck with the L-226 engine. The distributor is an Auto-lite with points, condenser, etc. I am in need of the vacuum advance and I have searched high and low and have not been able to find one. Can you help?

Answer:

The key to finding the correct vacuum advance for your truck is its part number. Autolite made ignition components from 1911 on, and they were used commonly on Packards, Studebakers, Willys and Fords, among others. Chances are your Willys vacuum advance was not unique to your truck, and was used in many applications.

As an example, the starter on my 1940 Packard 110 was also used on Willys automobiles. If you can get your hands on a parts interchange manual from the period, that would tell you which brands and models used the same vacuum advance and distributor.

You can also try larger, older auto supply stores in your area. Don’t bother with the big-name franchise places; all they sell are deodorizers for your rearview mirror and mag polish. Besides, the kids who work there are un-trained, paid minimum wage and wouldn't know a vacuum advance from a belly button. You want the old place that bas trained parts pullers and keeps the old parts books. And go to the oldest guy behind the counter. He will not likely assume a look of bewilderment when you say Willys.

And if none of that works, there is a service that rebuilds vacuum advance mechanisms.