Generator to alternator conversion 56 coronet 230 flathead 6

[lgk596]

Hello all. New to this and my gen took a crap. Rebuild or swap to alternator and if the later, any sites for what alt to use and conversion bracket?  Not a mechanic but I can usually accomplish small projects. Thanks in adavanve for any advive

[55 Fargo]

Easy as pie, use a Mopar alt, with the regulator, for 12 volt only, or a GM 10SI 1 wire for 6 volt +- or 12 volts, and a GM 10SI 3 wire can be used too.

Fab or Epay brackets to use on the OEM bracket, unlikely you will go back to a genny after this though......

I can post some pics of mine tomorrow for you.....

[knuckleharley]

I personally prefer a generator to an alternator because to MY mind a alternator on a antique motor is about as attractive as a thumb sticking out of my eye.

Generators are easy to rebuild,and any motors manuals that covers pre-1960 cars has detailed step by step instructions on how to do it,with photos.

Just make sure you do NOT polish the armature! It's needs that varnish. Polish the commutator (small piece at the end with groves where the brushes ride) and gently clean out the grooves,add new brushes and new bushings,and you should be in business. 

Also make sure you polarize the generator before starting the car or it won't charge. The Motors Manual will have complete instructions on how to do this for each manufacturer.

You can also remove the cover and clean the points in the voltage regulator and adjust them just like the points in your distributor.

You don't have power seats,windows,air conditioning,and other electrically draining accessories,so the generator will provide all the charging you need.

[Seaside Pete]

Can you still use the ammeter with an alternator? somebody told me that you have to change it either to a red warning light, or a voltmeter, is this true as I would rather use the ammeter that's in my P15.

 

Thanks

[55 Fargo]

4 hours ago, Seaside Pete said:

Can you still use the ammeter with an alternator? somebody told me that you have to change it either to a red warning light, or a voltmeter, is this true as I would rather use the ammeter that's in my P15.

 

Thanks

Yes you can still use the ammeter, whoever told you that is uninformed.

But if you happen to use a 90 amp alt, it may peg the ammeter when pushing the juice.

Seriously I have a alter 50 amp I think hooked up to my 60 amp ammeter, works great.

Now having a voltage gauge is not a bad idea as an addition too.

The GM 3 wire 10SI is where a light comes in, so maybe best to avoid that alt, go with the 10SI 1 wire, or a Mopar alt and regulator, of course the latter requires 12 volts, the GM 1 wire can be bough online for 6 volt pos grnd.....good luck

Edited September 16, 2016 by Rockwood

[Andydodge]

Rocks correct re using the stock Ammeter.......it doesn't know where it gets its Amps from, it just reads them in either 6 or 12 volt........I've had a Lucas 60amp alternator connected up to the stock 1940 gauge for 40 yrs and its fine..........  

[Seaside Pete]

Thanks for that.

I have converted to 12v using the original regulator and coil plus a ballast resistor. Can I still use the same set up?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Pete

Edited September 18, 2016 by Seaside Pete
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