I'm installing a Pertronix electronic ignition in my '61 D100. No problems there. But I'm also replacing what appears to be the original coil (or at least an extremely old one), but I'm having an embarrassing problem. I can loosen the nut closest to the front of the engine (although for some reason, I had to use a 12mm socket). But the other side seems to be fastened by a bolt which is pretty well hidden behind a glass-bowl filter, the fuel line and the vacuum line to the distributor. It's like I need a rubber socket extension to get at the darned thing.

Is this right? Am I missing something obvious? Even with the spacious engine compartment, I'm going by feel.

Take the opportunity to get rid of that glass fuel filter; they're an unnecessary safety hazard. Breakable glass holding fuel right next to the part where all the sparks are.

Do the Fuel line mod and not only will things be safer and happier under the hood, but you'll also free up a bunch of space.

Your '61 probably has the 2-years-only vacuum advance line setup, with rigid nylon tubing flared at each end and held into the carb and distributor vacuum advance by a flare nut, just like a brake line or a fuel line. Works fine, but a pain in the nuts when it gets in your way. Carefully cut the nylon tube at each end so there's about a 1/2" stub protruding beyond the end of each screwed-in flare nut. Connect these two stubs with ordinary rubber hose, which is much less of a nuisance to work around.

Proceed from there.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks, Dan. I'll do the fuel filter mod. That makes sense.

And yes, that's the vacuum setup. I'll fix that up, too.