Your distributor is a "short cap" version that was retired in 1953 or 54 (I don't remember which). I'll bet the 2K20 is a date of manufacture. 2 is 1942 (not likely) or 1952. K is November and 20 is the day of the month.

I'd use a ballast resistor with that coil. Finding a proper resistance wire for it might be hard to do. I doubt the red wire in the picture is a "resistance wire". Besides, a "resistance wire" wouldn't run between the coil and the distributor, it would be between the ignition switch and the coil as will the ballast resistor.

I'd be tempted to replace that coil, given the dent in the side.

Does the stomp switch on the starter have a small electrical terminal on the side? If so, that is where the "bypass the ballast resistor" wire should connect. The other end connects to coil +.

I'm working on a "how to identify 6v and 12v flywheels and starters" tech tip. It hasn't been blessed by the Stovebolt Gods yet, but I could send you what I have if it would help.

Last edited by Bill Hanlon; 01/28/2025 5:28 PM.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12
'52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.