Heinze Coils

In the early 20th century, ignition systems for internal combustion engines were at the forefront of electrical experimentation.  Builders of ignition coils tried all kinds of ideas to increase performance and reliability.  Among prominent early builders were Splitdorf, Jacobson-Brandow, Kingston, and the Heinze Electric Company (HECO) of Lowell, Massachussetts.  J.O. Heinze spent much time and effort researching and thinking about the design and construction of all ignition apparatus.  The commercial result of his work were found in many popular early automobiles, from IHC Motor Wagons to many early Fords.  In 1911-12, Ford used Heinze coils almost exclusively.  Heinze's design utilized a number of important quality construction methods, including a segmented secondary winding, unique point design which utilized a cushion spring, and well constructed paper-and-foil capacitors.  It isn't unusual to find a set of 110 year old Heinze coils with capacitors that still test at their original values, though understandably leak current at that great age.   

The Heinze design was superceded by the K-W ignition company's design in 1913, though Heinze design coils continued as Ford ramped up production and used coils from anyone who could supply them.  By 1914 K-W took over and the Heinze company slowly dwindled until it became a memory.  

MCR offers rebuild services for Model T and other Heinze coils.  Their unique point arrangement, quality case construction, and other factors makes them somewhat challenging to repair.  After 6-8 months of experimentation in 2022, I found a reliable method of disassembling them and working with the windings and points to provide reliable results.  Using a specially programmed and designed Heinze ECCT (www.modeltecct.com), I tune them for the same performance as all of my K-W coils.

Heinze units are substantially more challenging and difficult than K-W units, and as such take more time and cost significantly more.  I have many satisfied customers running rebuilt Heinze units and am ready and willing to meet your needs.  Please inquire at midnightcoilrepair@gmail.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MidnightCoilRepair.