Ditributor spark plug wires holddown

[TA301]

Do any of you use this? I have one but having a hard time getting the plug wire ends engage into the openings. Picture is from a Corvette. TA, is identical.

[Steve B]

I remember that setup on my 1980 before I replaced the 301 with a 400.  I also remember having to tap lightly around the retainer to get it stay on.  The trick is to get the two tabs in the middle of the retainer to catch correctly without breaking them.  I didn't worry so much about the plug wires in the holes other than making sure they were lined up.  Good luck...

[Wallington]

Not many leads have the raised knobs anymore, but obviously the retainer cap still fit over regular types.

[wheels78ta]

I've always put the plug wires into the retainer and then pushed them all down on to the main cap.  Never an issue.  Just take your time.

[Warren Seale]

I still have the original wires with the knobs on the top of the plugs. I would use silicone oil or grease on the knobs to get them into the holes of the retainer.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

I use one, mostly for originality's sake. As said above, it's important to get the center to snap in with the two tabs. Not only that, but I also stay consistent with brands. My retainer is ACDelco, as are my plug wires. With enough downward pressure, I'm able to get the tops of the plug wires to slip into the holes.

[TA301]

Thank you everybody for the replies and insights. The spark plugs wires have the raised cap ends intended to snap into the retainers' openings. I tried one removed, with Vaseline on the end and it did snap into place. I
I then applied the Vaseline to the end caps of the remaining plugs in place [not removed] Same thing, the retainer would not latch onto them nor the cap tabs. For me, it is a correctness issue since the car is being restored
and it is %75 completed. I will reattempt this sometimes in the future.