Generator or Alternator

[pflaming]

I just discovered that my generator is a 12 volt!!!!and I have all new bulbs and battery for 6 volt!

So. . . change all the bulbs and go 12 or go 12 and use some step-down means. It might require a bank of fuses. If it weren't for the battery, I think I would change bulbs.

I also discovered that one needs two rear light fixtures: one for turn signals and one for tail and brakes, or I'm reading things incorrectly. Not even Chaucer was this intricate!!!

I want to use an electric fan and eliminate the stock one. I think that would cool better here in this hot valley, so . . . that elimanates getting a six volt gen. . .

Edited August 15, 2012 by pflaming

[Young Ed]

Or get a 6v generator?

[B1B Keven]

6 volt generator (I've got an extra if ya need it).

I never had cooling problems with mine in Sacramento.

If you really wanted to, have a shroud made up.

[Plymouthy Adams]

If you stick with the 12..and such in the future you have no issue going with an alternator later should it strice your fancy.....if you suspect air movement issues..step up to 6 blade fan..would stay away from step down for a bulb at least..as the units will surge prior to regualting..change you sockets to dual filiments..you should not need extra set of light which often can make placing on the body in a fashion to be both good loking and practical without being subject to bumping and misaligning ..

[pflaming]

Tim: Yes, I need dual filiments in the front for park / turn. But in the back it seems the dual filiments are in one set of fixtures for tail and brake. I do not see how the turn signal could operate separate hi filiments since they are tied together for braking. SO. . . since I have a set of lights, I just attached them and will use them for my turn signals for now.

Panel lights: I couldn't get my bulb holders to stick, then I wondered if the bulbs were too long, I had some smaller bulbs and bingo: all is well!

I'm going to go 12 volt. It's just simpler: If someone wants a set of NEW Wagner 6 v head lamps, I got a pair, and I have a 12 volt generator also, oh and 6 v coil, and 6 volt reg and . . . Dang! Fortunatly I wired for either 6 or 12.

[Merle Coggins]

You can use your 6v coil, you just need to install a ballast resistor between the ignition switch and the coil.

As for the rear lights. It all depends on what type of turn signal switch you have. Some route the brake light wire through the switch so that the brakes will work in conjuction with the turn signals. This type usualy has 7 wires. Other types only have 4 or 5 wires and then the turn signals have to be independant of the brake lights. If you want to use a single lamp on either side of the truck you need the 7 wire switch, like a Signal Stat 900.

Merle

[NiftyFifty]

If your a stock loving guy then the 6 volt is the way to go, but we already know your looking to improve on stock so no doubt in my mind, 12 volt gm alternator is the way to go! Makes all your other updates easier and allows for additions of new accessories without a bunch of messing around. Alternator also allows you to ditch the external regulator and go to a nice fuse box setup and protect everything.

As for your tail/turn your bang on, I had to run 2 seperate lights or pay big bucks for that 7 wire turn switch.

[pflaming]

I have that 7 wire 900 so I in high cotton. Merle pm'd me on how it works and that was most helpful.

I like stock and if this was going to be driven occasionally, I would have stayed that way, but I want to be able to go to the mountains or the ocean so updated safety items are important to me.

Here in the valley one cannot go many places without getting on some freeway and 55 mph is "frowned upon in this establishment" as the little boy said.

[NiftyFifty]

Next swap you need to do then is the T5 tran swap, in my mind it makes them night and day a better cruiser with maintaining that flathead nostalgia

[Jerry Roberts]

Try your stock fan first . I live in Stockton and run the stock fan , usually at 160 degrees .

[NiftyFifty]

Gee maybe I'm running too hot? But I don't run any t stat, but on average around 180/90 but never higher, even when it's 30+ deg Celsius

[HanksB3B]

I think you need to install a thermostat. I'd go with a 160. Water is not staying in radiator long enough to cool down before re-entering the block.

Hank

[Plymouthy Adams]

usually with no thermostat whose opening is less when functioning than when none is in place is not allowing the water to saturate with heat by moving it to fast through the engine block to later exhcange at the radiator..thermosstat serves two purposes controlling when and how much..

[Dan Babb]

Depending on the turn-signal switch you have, I think the brake light feed runs through the turn-signal. That way, if the brakes are in, the signal is interrupted by the flasher and thus, that filament on the bulb flashes.

I have the Stant turn-signal from NAPA and that's how it's wired up.

[55 Fargo]

I have that 7 wire 900 so I in high cotton. Merle pm'd me on how it works and that was most helpful.

I like stock and if this was going to be driven occasionally, I would have stayed that way, but I want to be able to go to the mountains or the ocean so updated safety items are important to me.

Here in the valley one cannot go many places without getting on some freeway and 55 mph is "frowned upon in this establishment" as the little boy said.

Any high steppin dude,especially walkin in "high cotton", gotta have a 12 volt set-up.

If you also have the green tag 12 volt starter motor,bonus too. The 12 volt, cheaper easier to buy bulb,sealed beams etc.

I really like having 12 volts for both cold and hot starts, what a difference.

Any 12 volt items are now not a problem, if you need to go with an alt, easy to make a bracket .

see this link, for the GM 1 wire alt bracket install.

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=29596&highlight=wire+alternator

Edited August 19, 2012 by Rockwood

[pflaming]

A. Remove: generator and all light bulbs

B. Swap: (1) 1-wire alternator and connect it to the BATT pole on the regulator with a #10 wire; (2) mount on the existing mount with a redi-bolt and nuts to hold in place and to center the belt; (3) Change the alt pulley; (4) recommended to have a 50+ amp gauge, (5) alternator needs some RPMs to activate it when starting the vehical; (6) 12 v batt.

Question: Is the existing coil usable and no changes required to the regulator?

Edited August 20, 2012 by pflaming

[Dave72dt]

Voltage reg is built into the alternator so it won't be used. Should use a 12 v coil with internal resistor or add a resistor for an external resisted coil. Consider a using voltmeter instead of amp gauge if going over 60 amp alternator. You shouldn't need a high amp alternator with a stock system but start adding accessories and you may find the need to go higher. Used to be a 55 amp alt was an upgrade but may now be the bottom end of the lineup as far as output. Start adding accessories and I'd seriously look at putting in a fuse block and pulling power off that.

[pflaming]

What is the advantage of an alternator over a generator. Both have to spin at a good rpm to charge. Is one more dependable than the other? I have a 12 v generator. It charges but not too high, so I may just rebuild it.

[NiftyFifty]

Generators can be finicky and the amount of current can fluctuate with rpm quite a bit, exactly why you need a regulator, but they still don't produce as well as an alternator, which of course internally regulates the amount of voltage and allows you to remove the regulator and have a more constant reliable source of power.

Size is another big factor, more room to spare with a alternator, but it will require some changes to install.

[wallytoo]

What is the advantage of an alternator over a generator. Both have to spin at a good rpm to charge. Is one more dependable than the other? I have a 12 v generator. It charges but not too high, so I may just rebuild it.

alternators will generally charge at a lower rpm than generators. gm 1-wire can be had at most auto parts stores, unlike generators/parts.

i'm not opposed to the generators. my truck had already been converted to an alternator, so i'll continue to use it. i've got a generator, but i'll probably never use it (same with the regulator that is still on the firewall).

[pflaming]

Question: Can a 12 volt generator be converted to a 6 volt, or can a 12 volt generator be used in a 6 volt system, if so how?

It seems the regulator would be the key, if the current from the generator just recylces until called for by the regulator, then maybe a 12 volt generator would just recharge the battery faster.

[MBF]

Anything can be done for a price, but I think it'd be easier to find a good or rebuilt 6V generator. A 12 volt gen shouldn't be used w a 6 volt system. While I haven't tried this, I believe you're going to fry bulbs, your fuel guage, and maybe even your battery. As far as the amps-converting to a 12V system-the amp flow will be half that of the old 6 volt system. If you're wiring harness is in good shape (insulation not cracking or frayed) it would be fine to use with the higher voltage system. One of the problems with double filament bulbs, is that some of the 6 volt fixtures use a bulb with the two base prongs on the lamp directly opposite of each other rather than at the staggered height of the 12v counterparts. On my 36 Plymouth, I just ground off one of the prongs, and made sure I had the bulb installed so that the brighter filament was for the brakelight, and the dimmer filament for tail lamps. Mike

[55 Fargo]

Question: Can a 12 volt generator be converted to a 6 volt, or can a 12 volt generator be used in a 6 volt system, if so how?

It seems the regulator would be the key, if the current from the generator just recylces until called for by the regulator, then maybe a 12 volt generator would just recharge the battery faster.

Just get a 6 volt genny, I probably have one around here, but shipping would be pricy.

Don't ruin a 12 volt genny, trying to convert it to 6 volt, save it, in case you ever go to 12 volt, which is a dream compared to 6 volt, I have both and still prefer 12 volt on hot days for hot starts. My 6 volt system is preemo, but does not compare to my 12 volt system in the 55 Fargo...

[Jeff Balazs]

Paul;

Have you tried calling a few of the re builders like Northwest Starter?

It may be possible to send in your 12V in as core or partial exchange for a rebuilt 6V unit.

I think that for most of us this is one of the items on our trucks that should be rebuilt by someone with the right equipment and knowledge for the job. Starting off with a unit that has been properly rebuilt and tested just makes good sense.

Jeff

[55 Fargo]

OR save the 12 volt genny, and go to any auto electric and get a GM 1 wire volt pos grnd alternator. Then fab or buy the universal bracket, no VR to deal with either. I have some 6 volt pos grnd VRs around too...