Old car enthusiasts needed. Danger

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A user discovered a device believed to be a voltage regulator from a Ford, housed in a wooden case, while cleaning a garage. The discussion reveals that Ford ignition coils were historically packaged in dovetailed oak boxes, leading to speculation about the device's origins. Another participant identifies it as an antique wood ignition hot shot coil for a Model T Ford, suggesting it may have value on eBay. Participants advise against cleaning the device, as collectors prefer items in their original condition. The conversation also touches on the device's use in pranks, generating high-voltage sparks, and mentions the possibility of using it for projects like a Jacob's Ladder. Some users express interest in DIY modifications, sharing experiences with creating transistor-driven coils.
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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!
 
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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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