Lucas parts quality

[BaritoneUke]

Anybody had a new rotor looking like this? Shape of the top is all wrong, with a bite taken out of it. Tempted to see if I can do better myself, I've got some copper sheet.

IMG_20240816_082941.jpg (93.61 KiB) Viewed 11218 times

[unclealec]

That is appalling.
I don't see why there would be a need to replace an original rotor arm. And if I did it would be with another original, i.e. from the 1950s/60s/70s rather than a recently bought one.
The Distributor Doctor is my first port of call for any ignition components, but it is rare that I seek such items.
New old stock Lucas (in red boxes) are also worth stockpiling if you come across any for sale.

By the way, copper is too soft to use in this application. Brass is the norm.

[BaritoneUke]

I don't see why there would be a need to replace an original rotor arm.

The one I've got is quite badly burnt on the top, but not badly pitted so I'll try cleaning it up with metal polish. It's a better shape than the new one

[philthehill]

Personally I would not try and make my own - not worth the effort.
Buy a new red rotor from Distributer Doctor.

https://www.distributordoctor.com/red-rotor-arms.html

[BaritoneUke]

[olonas]

Joseph Lucas was and still is, possibly unfairly, known as "The Prince of Darkness".
The new parts that now come in Lucas boxes are, I think, nowhere near as good as originals. Particularly ignition components.
Like many others, I now rely on Distributor Doctor items.
That red rotor arm probably originates from that far away Peoples Republic and is no better than similar from others without the Lucas branding. Possibly all have the same origin.
Prior to now using DD distributor caps I have tried Lucas branded items discovering the quality and finish is awful.

[myoldjalopy]

I second the Dizzy Doc for ignition parts. Previously had ignition problems with inferior 'Lucas' rotors. No problems at all since using the good Doctor's rotors - same one been going good for several years now - tens of thousands of miles.

[BaritoneUke]

Joseph Lucas was and still is, possibly unfairly, known as "The Prince of Darkness".

[BaritoneUke]

Dizzy Doc - same one been going good for several years now - tens of thousands of miles.

Sounds promising, I'll give them a try.

[exlkrs]

Ain't what it used to be . I'm refurbing old stuff i've kept for years, or buying the 'junk' used stuff for pennies at Autojumble and refurbing that.

[Biggles1957]

Bin it!! Get a proper one from the Distributor Doctor.

[KeithL]

Another vote for Distributor Doctor. I've never had any problems since I swapped to components supplied by DD.

[olonas]

Another vote for Distributor Doctor. I've never had any problems since I swapped to components supplied by DD.

Plus he's very knowledgeable and helpful.
I always carry this essential spare with me for when the wiring insulation lets the smoke escape.

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[stuffedpike20]

I read somewhere that Lucas is now just a 'boxing company'. Far eastern manufacturers pay a sum to be able to use Lucas boxes. Nothing to do with Joseph Lucas.
I believe Borg and Beck are the same???

[geoberni]

Depending on your view of business jargon and corporate waffle, the situation with Lucas is spelled out on their timeline:
https://www.lucasautomotive.com/en/about-us/

1999 acquired by TRW (big US multinational in Automotive aftermarket)
2000+ TRW decided to licence the brand to specialist manufacturers

However, dig a little more and....
2014 TRW were acquired by German giant ZF Friedrichshafen AG
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_Friedrichshafen

[olonas]

It might be a German giant, but I would put money on where the stuff is butchered and placed in Lucas branded boxes. Substitute Lucas for others too.

[kelvin]

Lucas is just a brand name that can be used under licence by any manufacture who makes things out of any kind of metal or plastic anywhere in the world. Which is why, sometimes its quality is passable and sometimes it's abysmal. They pay for the licence and then use their own quality standards. I could probably make Lucas rotor arms in my shed.

[svenedin]

For rotor arms and points either NOS Lucas or DD. There's not much point using NOS Lucas condensers as they deteriorate over time and the capacitance drifts out of spec.

Stephen