Tan Distributor Cap vs Black Distributor Cap 4289875

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rdunnam

RDunnam
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1838514 black cap for 60-64 1/2, vs. 4289875 black cap, vs. tan cap 2444507, there may be other numbers. Question, is the black 4289875 ok to use for the later '72 on oem distributors? I bought one to use. I see mostly tan ones, but I wanted black. And what's the diff among these? Anyone shed some light on this?
4289875 dist cap.jpg
 
It has always been my understanding that tan was 72' electronic dist and newer.
Black was points. What is the difference mechanically.... Not sure.
Run what you like is my best guess!
 
It has always been my understanding that tan was 72' electronic dist and newer.
Black was points. What is the difference mechanically.... Not sure.
Run what you like is my best guess!
My 69 340 with dual points had a tan cap from the factory
 
Your black cap has a "vent" in it- this is a later model cap or a change from the supplier. Tan caps go back at least to 1967, as my "68 has one.
 
Some manufacturer sells the tan caps with that vent for dual points also. I didn't know that initially until I took it out of the box. No harm no foul. Not a fan of that look. Analitis
 
don't use a early black cap on electronic dist they will crack
 
1838514 black cap for 60-64 1/2, vs. 4289875 black cap, vs. tan cap 2444507, there may be other numbers. Question, is the black 4289875 ok to use for the later '72 on oem distributors? I bought one to use. I see mostly tan ones, but I wanted black. And what's the diff among these? Anyone shed some light on this?
View attachment 1715486370
Either cap will work...I see mostly black ones on later Mopars, All the early Mopars I have had have had Tan caps. Not a fan of the vent look. Most of those are replacement caps, foreign made to replace the non vented ones. I have also seen Offshore Tan cap with vents. There is also a difference in the weight or thickness of the material in the older Tan cap. IMO those are the best ones. Ask my buddy Ray at @halifaxhops . He rebuilds distributors, AND had some of those much sought after Early Tan Caps....
 
just bought a 'tan " vented cap for my 69 dual point prestolite dizzy from NAPA

nice weight and BRASS terminals
 
I have used both black and tan on the same OEM distributor without any problems at all.
Try finding a red one for the OEM electronic distributor.:D
It's almost as hard as trying to buy a Pertronics ignitor III for them.
 
Try finding a red one for the OEM electronic distributor.:D
It's almost as hard as trying to buy a Pertronics ignitor III for them.
Summit was selling red ones for a while. Junky but easy to find at the time.
Taylor vertex had a dark maroon cap made of good heavy material, ribs between the terminals, and a vent.
I don't know who made it for them but they say they can't get it any more.
They now sell a lighter one, no ribs, under the same part number. (and for the same high price as the heavy one) :(
 
The cap to find always was the old Bluestreak. Nice HD parts they were.

I ran a complete Jacobs system as well. Super duty cap, brass terminals and heavy webbing inside to prevent spark jump. rotors were just as heavy duty. Jacobs even had a full book about ignition and spark. Really interesting but like 30 years ago.

Both Jacobs and Blue streak were blue. Lol!
 
Local parts store ordered a Blue Streak cap in for me.....yep it was blue and I immediately SHOVED it back across the counter...not a chance
 
Either one will work, there is no distinction between single point and electronic. Color change was around 68 I believe. Some funny answers though. Vents started showing up early 70's I believe. There are tons of variations and for me I go by the weight and coper terminals. Keep away from the really light ones.
 
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So many variations it is crazy to keep track of. I have had the same nos part numbers in different shades, usually the alkalyde ones. Then the Made in USA dual points there are two different one is spaced MADE IN USA the other MADE IN USA. Different years I am told same part number. That's the holy grail of caps.
 
Local parts store ordered a Blue Streak cap in for me.....yep it was blue and I immediately SHOVED it back across the counter...not a chance

notice I said “old”
Names mean nothing anymore except how you take care of your Last Name. Big companies buy good names and use them on cheapened products. If your old enough to remember what happened to Fram filters.
Anyhow back to Black and Tan. Sorry to run your thread to the side.
 
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I actually have one that says "MADE IN CANADA" That has to be special for sure never saw one before.
 
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