Rookie Question re: Generators

[Bbdakota]

If you want to keep a generator look, power master makes one wire 6v generator looking alternators, a little pricey but works great. 

[Loren]

I am completing a 12 volt conversion of my car’s generator.

Basically you replace the field coils and the regulator.

It’s claimed they will put out 40 to 45 amps, which is enough even with a tube radio.

Tube radios can drain a marginal battery pretty quickly so one should not use them for extend periods of time while parked.

The kits come with all the rebuild stuff except a new key for the pulley.

You should have a hydraulic press as the coils will need to be formed to the generator body and it will help to keep the screw driver from climbing out of the field coil screws when tightening.

To get the screws out I used a hammer and chisel. You tap on the edge of the screw turning it counter clockwise. I’ve had real good luck with that method.

Also I bead blasted everything as when you put the field coils in you want the surfaces absolutely clean and rust free.

To get the coils seated property you have to use the press to force the shoes to bend the coils to fit the contour of the housing.

I used a bar through the inside of the housing resting on two blocks to buck up the ram.

Some time later I’ll have some photos.