Old car enthusiasts needed. Danger

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around identifying a voltage regulator believed to be from a Ford vehicle, specifically an antique wood ignition hot shot coil for a Model T Ford. Participants confirm its identity as a "buzz box" and emphasize the importance of preserving its original condition for potential collectors. The conversation also touches on its historical use in shock gags and its application in projects like Jacobs ladders. The item has potential value on eBay, although some participants suggest it may not be worth significant effort to sell.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of antique automotive components, specifically Ford ignition systems.
  • Understanding of voltage regulators and their functions in vintage vehicles.
  • Familiarity with eBay selling practices and market valuation of antique items.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical components and their applications in projects like Jacobs ladders.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical significance of Ford ignition coils and their packaging.
  • Explore the construction and functionality of Jacobs ladders.
  • Learn about the restoration processes for antique automotive parts.
  • Investigate the market trends for selling vintage automotive components on eBay.
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Antique car enthusiasts, collectors of vintage automotive parts, eBay sellers, and hobbyists interested in electrical projects and historical automotive technology.

Integral
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I am still working on cleaning out my father in laws garage, found this device which I believe is a voltage regulator from a Ford. Note that it is in a wood case. Can some one verify or tell me what it is if I am wrong.

stove020.jpg


This is why I think it is from a Ford.
stove016.jpg
 
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At one time Ford ignition coils came in dovetailed oak boxes...
 
Wow.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390091235969&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=bf8514b71270a0265360d900fff2974c&itemid=390091235969&ff4=263602_263622
 
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Wow, that was quick. Thanks, I was close but no blue chips.
Looks like it may have some ebay value.
 
Integral said:
Wow, that was quick. Thanks, I was close but no blue chips.
Looks like it may have some ebay value.
Yes. Don't clean it up in any way, though. Some people do rough restorations and they want parts in original as-found condition. If the buyer is a "restore to as-new" type, he will prefer to restore the coil to his own specs.
 
Those have been the basis of many jacobs ladder projects.
 
Averagesupernova said:
Those have been the basis of many jacobs ladder projects.

No doubt this coil is the device that my dad mentioned. As kids they used these for all sort of shock gags. One was what seemed to be a gift, but in fact it was paper wrapped around a wire frame that was hooked to one of these. As the person takes it, you toggle something that causes the magnetic field around the coil to collapse, producing a 15KV or so spark.

Funny stuff, huh ladies? :biggrin:
 
There seem to be quite a few of them on ebay. Looks like I could get something less then $10, hardly worth the effort...


A Jacobs ladder you say? That sounds like a lot more fun then ebay!
 
  • #10
Integral said:
There seem to be quite a few of them on ebay. Looks like I could get something less then $10, hardly worth the effort...


A Jacobs ladder you say? That sounds like a lot more fun then ebay!

I always thought so! I got tired of flaky contacts on the old ones that I had and made a transistor driven coil with a 555 for an oscillator.
 

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