Rotor arms.

[olonas]

I think we are aware that the quality of aftermarket parts has deteriorated, but having just purchased a Lucas 25D rotor arm, and compared it to that it's replacing, I'm reluctant to use it. Really lighter in weight and poor finish. I'm sure it's "genuine" Lucas, it came in a Lucas box and from a reliable and well known seller. A different construction too. The brass (maybe?) part looks to be bonded to the plastic compared to a rivet fixing on the original.
Can anyone recommend a good quality aftermarket replacement?

[svenedin]

I recommend the red rotor arms that are only available directly from Distributor Doctor. These are made in England by a small business and they are excellent quality. Be aware that other red rotors are on sale that are not of good quality. The poor quality parts manufacturers have cottoned on to the red colour and are attempting to capitalise on the good reputation of the Distributor Doctor parts. The genuine article is embossed "DD" and "made in England"

https://www.distributordoctor.com


Stephen

IMG_9450.jpeg (1.55 MiB) Viewed 211 times

[myoldjalopy]

Seconded. I had at least three rotor arms fail whilst on the road in the past but, after fitting one from the good doctor (and using his points set), I have had a trouble-free ignition system for many, many years now.

[olonas]

Thanks both. I've contacted The D.D. with a view to buying his parts.
Also probably a distributor recondition.
There is no way I will use that new rotor arm.

[svenedin]

Thanks both. I've contacted The D.D. with a view to buying his parts.
Also probably a distributor recondition.
There is no way I will use that new rotor arm.

Great stuff. Martin Jay (distributor doctor) does a fantastic job overhauling a distributor. His work is expensive but the completed distributor is perfect and probably better than it was when it was new. The distributor in the photo above is Martin's work.

Stephen

[Classiccars]

Expensive with a capital E.Hope mine outlasts me it's worth more.

[olonas]

Sent a 25D4 off to Martin this morning for reconditioning. No, not cheap, but I suspect the old "you get what you pay for" is true.
It is a "spare" so no "downtime" involved.
"The distributor in the photo above is Martin's work." That's one fancy looking condensor/capacitor!

[olonas]

25d4 top.jpg (110.4 KiB) Viewed 97 times

Courtesy of the good Doctor. Should suffice until the return of the reconditioned distributor.
Yes, that's an aftermarket vacuum advance unit, but it does still function.
I realise it's not intended to fall off, but the rotor arm is a very tight fit on the shaft.