Resister

[1958ford]

Anyone know what the resister on the firewall is used for.  Can it be eliminated?  Could it be relocated under the dash.  Rather unattractive where it is from the factory.

[Fairlane62]

The one on upper driver side firewall is the ignition voltage resistor to reduce voltage to the points.  You need a resistor if you are keeping points system.  If its too ugly, you could change to a resistor wire like was used in mid 60s and 70s .

[1958ford]

If you go to a electronic ignition like Protronics, could you eliminate the risister? 

[81TTA]

This might vary by the different manufacturers.  But, any of the aftermarket systems I've seen want 12 volts to the coil all the time.  So, the resistor gets removed.

[abe_lugo]

I would keep the resistor in line.  In case you burn up your electronic ignition and need to test it with some points when are you get stuck on the road.  Maybe keep the points and resistor in a small parts box in the trunk?   

I added electronic ignition to my old Cadillac and Kept the resistor. If you don't like the looks of it just move it out of sight or cover.

[thomasso]

You could use a 57 resistor which bolts to the intake with one of the coil cap screws.