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Distributor Vacuum Advance Line Connections 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds

Gil’s Garage

Gil Baumgartner
CTCI Authenticity Chairman


The following procedure is used to insure the vacuum line from the carburetor to the distributor advance mechanism is properly seated and sealed. This same procedure is used to install the vacuum line to 1955/56 models. The 1955/56 models do not have the fittings shown in photo # 2. The taper and recessed area is built into the vacuum mechanism and carburetor on 1955/56 models.

Photo # 1, Shows one end of a new line that has not been fit to a carburetor or vacuum advance mechanism

Photo # 2, Shows fitting P/N 359546S (left) which is part of a 1957 distributor vacuum mechanism and the brass fitting (right) that screws into the vacuum port of an original 1957 carburetor. Note the tapered flare with no seat on both fittings. You can also see a recessed area below the taper.

Photo # 1

Photo # 2

Photo # 3, First screw the brass fitting supplied with a new line into the advance mechanism or carburetor being careful not to cross thread. Screw the fitting in about half the thread length.

Photo # 4, Firmly press the line through the fitting until it seats below the fitting and bottoms out inside the carburetor or vacuum advance mechanism. Hold the line in place and tighten the fitting as tight as possible without stripping.

Photo # 3

Photo # 4

Photo # 5, When the line is held into the fittings, bottomed out inside the carburetor/vacuum advance mechanism and properly tightened the the end of the line expands and prevents the line from sliding out of the fitting.

Photo # 6, Shows the expanded end which secures the fitting to the line

Gil Baumgartner

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