JerryinTx

Sounds like the most likely problem is with the voltage regulator, even though it is new. The genny was checked out prior to the battery switch and it was working properly. As far as the grounds, I completely rewired this car two years ago and made sure all grounds were good. It has 00 ga battery cables, but it has never turned over that well. Slow to start, quick to flood. This guy also had the starter rebuilt. Maybe that was part of the problem. It sure starts good now. Greg, did you mean if the battery was fully charged, the ammeter might not show a positive deflection? Although there is no positive move in the ammeter when accelerating, there is a definite move to the left when the headlights are turned on. I'm getting to the bottom of this this weekend. Thanks for the help guys!

A couple of weeks ago a mechanic friend suggested that the solution to my slow starts would be to change to an 8 volt battery. I let him do it and he changed out the voltage regulator as well. The engine now starts on a dime with no choke. But today I got in the car, started it and the ammeter reads no positive charge. Was not that way in the beginning. What could be the problem, and are there other problems bound to turn up because of the change in battery voltage?

I was just "Jerry" from the old board. I spent many an hour there while rebuilding my P15. My life has taken me elsewhere over the past couple of years (trying to learn how to fly an airplane), so I'm not here as much. I will never forget how much you guys helped me in restoring my car. Not to mention the many great laughs! I will never quit stopping by, just don't post much anymore.

Anybody seen this? No idea where it is located, but it would make for an interesting visit. http://www.oliverscars.com/

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Good Lawdy! Not short on garage space either, Reg! Can you tell us about the custom-cab Power Wagon?

Darin, my P15 came with a Stromberg BXUV-1.

James, I installed the one linked below about a year ago and it has been satisfactory. Signal times out after 12-15 seconds, and the timeout delays as long as the breaks are applied - ie, at a stoplight. If you have the park lights on, the signal still works on the turn side, while the other stays lit. For some reason they are redesigning the control box and are not selling units right now. Also, they are kinda pricey. http://www.turnswitch.com/Turnsignal.htm

Greg don't you think I could try a little belt dressing? Guess I could have the thing checked out & if it works as is, use it. Maybe changing cases shouldn't be too much trouble though if necessary. I have gotten many items off that old car, but the generator never crossed my mind. The starter was gone when I got her, as was the gas tank and both bumpers. Keep thinking I'll get a title and send it to the crusher, but I'm glad it was still around this week!

Yesterday after Christopher offered to send me an extra genny, I happily responded to him that I had an almost stripped parts car, and if he ever needed anything still on it, he was welcome to it. Apparently that re-sparked a dead neuron in my brain last night, so I took the flashlight out and raised the hood on that old parts car for the first time in 2-3 years. There it was, an intact generator, a little nasty looking, but all there. I'll strip it out and clean it up when it cools off this weekend. My thanks to Christopher and James Curl, who offered to come to my rescue. Although I've not been around here much in the past year, this place hasn't changed a bit. Full of nice folks, willing to lend a hand.

Christopher, if you have one and want to part with it, I'd love to have it. Just PM me and let me know what you want for it! Thanks!!

Thanks for all the help guys. Bob T, that nut was a previous owners idea. I never knew the genny hole was tapped until it broke. And Greg, I think I'm the one who may have over-tightened the thing several years ago. Norm, I think the JB Weld may be my temporary approach and a case swap may be just the thing, Ed. Hopefully I can put it back straight, Don. There was a '49 Ply genny on ebay last night, but I wasn't sure it was the same as a P15 has. I still have to get my car started too! May have to call my 85 year old dad into service. He was a Chebby mechanic in '48, and is still a shrewd diagnostician.

Went out to fire up the P15 last week and it wouldn't start, which is unusual. Priming the carb did no good. It didn't seem to be getting fire. Being the electrical non-genius I am, I went down to NAPA and bought a new coil, condenser, plugs and points. The last time I bought these things as a kid, the bill was probably under $10. If I'd known it would be over $80, I might have done some poking around before rushing off to spend money. Anyhow, I installed the plugs, condenser and coil one at a time with no success. Then I decided to check the points gap on the old points. When I tried to turn the generator to get them to open up, the belt was loose as a goose. Got a pry bar to tighten it up and the mount was cracked. No wonder my battery hasn't been staying charged. Is there a way that this piece can be welded back on or am I in for a new genny?

Conroe, Tx North of Houston

Tim, where do you get B52?

Just thought I'd let you guys know that after many months off this board, I have resurfaced. Due to some health issues, I haven't posted in probably 6 months. Logged in maybe twice during that time - once to find that the website had been re-done (I at least registered that day) and then today to find that Nelson Baker had passed on. That pretty much blew me away. What a nice man! Good to read what's going on with you guys. I'll be around more often. The new place looks nice!

I was saddened to read about your loss and offer my deepest condolences. Nelson was a kind and friendly gentleman and I enjoyed reading his messages over the years. You could tell how much he cared about his family. We will miss him. Jerry