Classic cars typically used an independent ignition coil.
Prior to the mass introduction of electronic ignition, which started in the 1980s, all automobiles used point-type ignition. This relied heavily on several components: battery, distributor cap, points and an ignition coil. This type of ignition coil -- known as an external coil -- is responsible for taking the 12 volts from the battery and creating a high-voltage charge. On occasion, this coil would fail, typically from heat and age, and the vehicle would run rough or not start at all. Open the vehicle's hood and disconnect the negative battery cable, using a ratchet and socket.2. Locate the ignition coil, a black cylinder attached to one of the valve covers, and remove the ignition lead cable, the thick cable on top of the coil, by pulling it away from the coil.
Fortunately installing a new external ignition coil is relatively easy.
Instructions
1.Loosen and remove the positive wire and the ground wire, the smaller wires on top of the coil, using a ratchet and socket.
3. Loosen and remove the ignition coil bracket(s) using a ratchet and socket and pull the coil from the engine.
4. Place the new coil on the engine and tighten down the bracket(s) using a ratchet and socket.
5. Place the positive wire, the red one, on the "+" terminal on the top of the coil and tighten the nut, with a ratchet and socket, to secure it. Place the ground wire, the black one, on the "-" terminal on the top of the coil and tighten the nut, using a ratchet and socket, to secure it. Push the ignition lead wire in the large hole on top of the new coil, listen for the faint click indicating it's locked into place.
6. Place the negative battery cable back in place on the battery and tighten it using a ratchet and socket.
7. Close the vehicle's hood.
