HT leads/ radio suppression

[suffolkrover]

Thinking of replacing my HT leads as think mine are originals and suppression not 100% any more.Would like to keep original fittings with new leads but.... the plug end has a small brass washer and a screw that screws into the end of the lead which appears to be a soft carbon conductor?
Distributor end is copper wire though, does the conductor material change within the lead? Seems a daft question but can't work it out!
Also, were cars fitted with a radio from new fitted with suppressors between the end of the HT leads and the spark plug covers? These appear to be shown in the 3 litre parts book - page50/51 - plate ref. 28, part no. 240138.?

[Phil Nottingham]

Virtually all British carsfrom early 60's used the new carbon suppressed (green) HT leads whicc then as now degrade internally and externally over time.

Modern black equivalent can be has from Vehicle Wiring Products by the metre and all you need is some small No6 Brass pan-head (or SS sefdtap/woodscrews) scewewd in teh end. AES do the Acorns and HT wire.

Alternatively by old style copper HT lead as used on Mk1's and early Mk2's with separate plug lead suppressors - again VWP or AES or Holdens or use modern Silicon ready made leads but these will not fit in the HT lead carrier.

Originally a hooked copper wire was just pushed in the end of the carbon leads before crimping on the terminal.

Old lead carbon or copper are a big source of missfires especailly in cold damp weather

See SEARCH!