In the process of installing PerTronix in my distributor, as I was running the wires through the hole in the base, the black wire that connects from the base of the distributor to the bottom of the vacuum advance plate broke. Is there anyway to pull that plate off? I can't see how to get the flyweights out of the way to remove that plate.

 

they are on springs, did you try to move them horizontally to expose the screw that attaches the wire?

 

The wire is out, but part of it is still attached to the bottom side of the plate. There is no screw where it attaches to the plate. I'm guessing it is soldered on

 

I think it is the same screw that that holds done the vacuum advance unit (should be two). very small scews

 

I think I was incorrect by calling it the ground wire. I believe it might be what is called the lead wire.
I'm just used to ground wires being black.

 

You must be talking about the plate which the breaker points and condenser mount to. Yes, the ground wire is soldered to the bottom of this plate. You remove the distributor drive gear and the shaft assembly will come out exposing a small circlip around the top of the upper bushing which holds that plate in place.

 

Question for the OP for clarity, was this a long black wire that came loose or a pretty short black wire?

 

It's the short black wire. I'm guessing that is what they call the feeder wire
Excuse me, Lead wire

 

Appreciate the info 67 old guy. In the meantime I ordered a replacement Distributor and I will rebuild my original one for backup.