vertex magneto

mike55 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 07:02 PM

anyone here familiar with vertex magnetos? i got a few old parts and amongst them was an old (maybe nos) scintilla vertex magneto and tach drive. i have the original box; but the label is illegible. it appears to have been modified. the riveted tag reads jack cotten, thunderbolt, modified magnetos and a serial number. 429 is stamped on the lower part of the main housing also.

i can't find any reference to jack cotten or the application for the magneto. i'm pretty sure it's for a bb ford though. any info on either cotten or vertex will be appreciated. i'm trying to identify it for use or sale. thanks,

mike
mrajic@telus.net

Cal Metal · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 08:06 PM

An oldie but goodie. No drag racer could be without them in the 60's if you were running anything but stock classes. No in between. Either dual points with all their point bounce or a Vertex.

Try Russ Shoulders @ 972-564-9485 or

Taylor Vertex @ 800-821-3600.

Good luck.

mike55 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 08:14 PM

thanks dh;

i emailed taylor and sent them the serial #. as with most of these '60s pieces, records are pretty slim; but they said they'd try to identify it. it appears to be a standard vertex. i just don't know a thing about them.

i searched for info on jack cotten or jack cotten ignitions, houston, texas, and came up with bupkus. was he a well know drag racer/tuner/builder/?????????

mike

justa6 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 08:21 AM

Try http://www.cottonsperformance.com/index2.htm for Jack Cotton.

Vertex mags are cool had one on a 426 Plymouth Max Wedge in the 60's ran fine but was a bear to start. Just not enough voltage at cranking speed.

Regards,

mike55 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 09:42 AM

justa6;

i appreciate the effort. i'm looking for Jack Cotten though. his company was based in pasadena, texas. i think i've found contact info for him. cheers,

mike

Cal Metal · #6 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 06:54 PM

Mike:

I would think the length and overall dimensions would be similar to that found on other Ford distributors. You might be able to compare them against the Vertex.

Specialk · #7 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 07:10 PM

Not a vertex, but still cool. This one is on CSX2021, a well worn track car.

mike55 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 09:03 PM

thanks dh and kris;

i did compare it to an msd dist and an msd mag. the housing that fits into the bore on the block seems to be that of a 289/302 and 351c/boss302/429/boss429. i couldn't get it to fit fully into a small block because the gear is too big. i'm certain it's for the latter applications.

it's an interesting piece. unfortunately, i don't have a big block application for it. i'm curious to learn (if there is anything....) about jack cotten. the racing "characters" of the 60's are the most interesting to me.......

mike