Topic: C5ZF-A Distributor ?

[Brian Conway]

Researching the assembly line distributor for a May 29, 1965, San Jose, A code, 4 speed GT, Fastback.  Came across a recent post in the 'Wanted' section that indicated the DSO may play a role in my search ?   Would a DSO 71 or 72 suggest a C5ZF-12127-A distributor rather than a C5GF-12127-A ?   Thanks, Brian

[jwc66k]

Brian,
Did you look in this Forum's Library?
Jim

[Brian Conway]

Thanks Jim for taking an interest.  I have checked the Library, thanks for the reminder, and yes the C5GF-A is the only assembly line distributor for my car.  I thought there might be a chance for another distributor option ?  The C5GF-A was used in 66 for both auto and manual cars.  The C6ZF-A was also issued in manual transmission 66 A code cars.  So the date stamp may be of some importance here ?  Did not see any reference's to the DSO but that may not be of any importance now.  Brian

[J_Speegle]

Thanks Jim for taking an interest.  I have checked the Library, thanks for the reminder, and yes the C5GF-A is the only ..................... Did not see any reference's to the DSO but that may not be of any importance now.  Brian

Often the Ford books and in turn documents created from those will have differences shown as with or without emission or thermactor systems rather than DSO. They leave the conversion up to us.

For the little details carbs and dist typically are different for Thermactor 66's. If I recall correctly they even have different paint markings and or identification tag material so that the worker at the engine plant could pick put and install the right parts quicker

[jwc66k]

The 75 Ford Car Parts Manual (aka MPC), Sec120 pg 15, identifies 66 distributors with the notation of "ex T/E"  for use in all but California (you learn to read between the lines) and ". & T/E" for California. The DSO is not listed.
Jim

[lancelot66]

Mine is original, Thermactor, has  C6ZF 12127-B with a 5LC date code, if this helps out. Found remnants also of a yellow paint daub on the drivers side of the distributor, which I restored (not too much of one though!). Los Angeles (71) DSO.

[jwc66k]

Mine is original, Thermactor, has  C6ZF 12127 with a 5LC date code, if this helps out. Found remnants also of a yellow paint daub on the drivers side of the distributor, which I restored (not too much of one though!). Los Angeles (71) DSO.

You are aware that there is a dash letter at the end of C6ZF-12127-, either a -A for a MT or a -B for an AT.
Jim

[67gta289]

I'm confused - are we talking about a 65 or 66?  The original post mentions May of 65, so I think we should be focusing on 1965 right?

The 1965 MPC calls for part number C5GY-12127-A, stamped as C5GF-12127-A on the housing for Mustang & Fairlane with 4/B carb (except special (aka K code))

Remember that the MPC quite often lists a reduced number of parts to reduce inventory requirements, so unrestored car information is your best bet.

Since we have not heard from someone yet - in regards to an unrestored 1965 A code example, and since the 1965-72 MPC was mentioned, I thought I might look at the single year MPC for your car.

Across the whole 1965 Ford lineup, there are different distributors for auto vs. manual trans, police/economy/special, transistorized ignition, but nothing in reference to DSO or emissions.

I don't see any evidence that DSO would play a role.

The 1966 and 1967 thermactor emissions certainly did play a role in distributors and more.  1965 was a simpler time I suppose.

[lancelot66]

Thanks for that catch Jim! I missed the "-B" alright...checked it and it's there in my notes, plain as day. Corrected above for future search accuracy.

[jwc66k]

I'm confused - are we talking about a 65 or 66?  The original post mentions May of 65, so I think we should be focusing on 1965 right?

Yes. An entry was made for a 66 distributor that was incomplete. Keeping with accuracy and not adding confusion I "asked" about the omission and it was corrected.

Since we have not heard from someone yet - in regards to an unrestored 1965 A code example, and since the 1965-72 MPC was mentioned, I thought I might look at the single year MPC for your car.

My 65 GT Fastback has its original distributor. I believe the engine (112,000 miles) has not been "opened".

Across the whole 1965 Ford lineup, there are different distributors for auto vs. manual trans, police/economy/special, transistorized ignition, but nothing in reference to DSO or emissions.
I don't see any evidence that DSO would play a role.

True. The best reason I can think of is that the DSO list changed occasionally.

The 1965 MPC calls for part number C5GY-12127-A, stamped as C5GF-12127-A on the housing for Mustang & Fairlane with 4/B carb (except special (aka K code))

The "G" indicates the distributor was originally developed for a 65 Comet.
Jim

[lancelot66]

I did not intend to get off topic, clouding the discussion with '66 information. I only added to support Jeff's comment on Thermactor Emission setups, starting in '66. Everything on our car is date coded in the range of Oct-Dec of '65. My wife and I call it "The Christmas Car" with all the late Nov to late December date coded parts that would have been last to be added on the line. The workers were most likely thinking about the holidays and Christmas shopping while building our wonderful car...it's even red and white...

[67gta289]

no problem - just making sure I was thinking correctly, and then trying to steer the discussion back to the original question!

[Brian Conway]

OK so back to the original question is the FoMoCo C5GF-12127-A distributor correct for my 5/29/65, San Jose, DSO 71, 4 speed, no AC, 289 car ?  My access to the ' Library ' is restricted at the moment so a yes or a no will suffice.  Thank you, Brian

[jwc66k]

That distributor is for all 65 "A" code engines.
Jim

[Brian Conway]

Thank you Jim.  That is a clear and easily understood reply.