Suitability of "?val Style" Spark Plug Caps

wilkinsi · Post by **wilkinsi** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:13 am

My 62 FHC 886763 is fitted with the more common "bow tie" type spark plug caps which I believe are wrong for the year (the 63 Red OTS shown in the Sticky has the correct WC 548 oval style plug caps).I did read discussion about this but using the Search facility could not bring it up and from memory the best option were the plug caps available from a supplier of motor cycle components. Info would be appreciated.

That being the case will they still work OK with the Petronix Electronic Ignition system fitted to my car and additionally I purchased from Tadpole Radios of Colchester a fully refurbished Motorola 818T Radio with modern internals. Will I have interference and reception problems with the correct type of plugs?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763

Melbourne, Australia

SEJohnson95 · Post by **SEJohnson95** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:54 am

Hi Ian

I recall a similar question that I asked a while back, would this be of any help to you?

viewtopic.php?p=38826&highlight=#38826

Post by **Heuer** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:42 am

Yes the oval caps will work perfectly. There are a couple of suppliers. The Green Spark Plug Company offer quality oval top plug caps but without the 'Champion' label. Steadyfast Cycles offer oval plugs with the Champion logo and I bought and fitted them to my FHC. You should use suppressed HT cable though as the oval caps do not include a suppressor resistor. Car will run without suppressed HT but it causes interference to car electronics (Radio, SatNav, cell phone, EDIS/Megajolt, some electronic ignitions and other adjacent vehicles).

If you want to be totally period correct you need to paint the raised 'Champion' lettering white which is a real challenge to do well! I used white primer sprayed onto a totally flat surface (sheet of steel/aluminium), allowed to dry for a minute or so and then pressed the plug caps into the paint. Takes a bit of practice but the results are tolerably close to original.

adam · Post by **adam** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:42 pm

Hi I got the ones from Steadfast Cycles, but I made them into screw on type by trimming out the inside with a Dremmel. I combined a crimp on spark plug connector to a screw on terminal end by cutting up and joining with a lazer welder ,using JB Weld I glued them in place. To do the white lettering I made a small hard rubber roller and used Humbrol satin white paint. I found it best to paint a thin layer on the roller with a brush let it go slightly tacky then run it over the lettering, let it flash off then did as many coats as needed.

Adam

wilkinsi · Post by **wilkinsi** » Thu Jan 08, 2015 2:22 am

Thank you very much for the prompt and interesting advice - I will buy the WC548 plugs from www.steadfastcycles.com and presumably also will need the rubber boots at the cable end and to make sure I use HT suppressed cable.

Cheers
Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763
Melbourne Australia

Post by **Heuer** » Thu Jan 08, 2015 11:25 am

Unlike Adam I simply used the supplied brass cable connectors. I was prepared to doubt their efficiency but they fitted perfectly and hold on tightly.

bopperd · Post by **bopperd** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 12:36 am

I would like to add that the oval Champion plug caps are also available from Welsh Enterprises in Steubenville, Ohio. I was there this morning, talking to David Welsh, and I turns out they produced the reproduction caps and Steadfast bought them from him. Dave also insists that the Champion name was not painted white on these caps and showed me several early E-types that had their original caps with unpainted lettering. Was this another discriminator between RH and LH cars? David?

wilkinsi · Post by **wilkinsi** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:47 am

Great suggestion Dave re Welsh Enterprises - looking at their website they are listing the correct (for me) oval style with rubber boots for $89.95 per set plus he also has the original round style suitable for your 61 at $125.95.
Gotta be better dealing with a Jag parts specialist. Trying to look closely at the picture on the website it almost seems the "Champion " word is actually moulded into the surface rather than sitting on top - maybe just my old eyes!

Ian Wilkins
62 FHC 886763
Melbourne, Australia

wilkinsi · Post by **wilkinsi** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 2:31 am

Sorry, just forgot to mention that on page 113 of Tom Haddock's E Type Restoration Guide there is a photo of the early oval plug which certainly has the Champion name in white - presumably this is off an unmolested early car

Ian Wilkins

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Suitability of "?val Style" Spark Plug Caps

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