It does not sound like your pencil plugs failed prematurely. The old loop style on a 220 should last for a decade or so though unless there is somethig unusual going on. Were they Bosch plugs?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.