Is it hard to find a Distibutor Drive Shaft?

[MercuryMarc]

I figured out why my 78 Fairmont 200 block has the 64 oil pump- because it has a 64 distributor....
So I bought the proper oil pump for a 7 main bearing block, but the hexagonal shaft that connnects it to the distributor does not work (with the 64 distributor).
I think I'm going to upgrade to a 68-75 distributor for both vacuum and centrifugal advance - available for 30 bucks at Kragen.
Any idea on how to locate the proper connecting shaft?
Thanks, as usual...
Marc in SF
63 Comet Ragtop
78 Fairmont 200 getting ready for the swap (any year now...)
http://mercurycomet.net

 

[Anonymous]

Melling part number: "IS-65B"

Have your parts guy look in the books under "intermediate shaft".

 

[StraightSixer]

If you got the seven main oil pump, and you plan on using a later distributor, wouldn't the shaft match?

 

[MercuryMarc]

Thanks-
I think you guys are right - if I get a 65 intermediate shaft then that will work with the proper pump and distributor for a 7 main block. The shaft I have currently works for the pre-64 distributors and pumps, and has a different drive than the 64 and later systems.
I have a lead on a shaft and also the part number, so I should be set. Thanks!