The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Early 3 brush generator/cutout help

Bored&Stroked · 07-07-2014, 08:50 PM

The last time I worked on a 6V generator (or any volt generator) was about 40 years ago on my first 59AB flathead. I didn't screw around long, switched over to 12V negative ground and threw a 55 amp alternator on my 34 fourdoor.

Well, I've come full circle - I'm building a 32 Cabriolet just about like they would have right before WWII, trying to run all the original stuff, simple, nothing fancy, nothing really modern. Has been a blast NOT trying to make things painted, shiny and perfect . . . just getting things running, fixing old systems along the way and marveling at the simple pleasure of working like guys did 70 years ago.

Anyway, had no clue as to how to test/setup the 6V generator that was on the 59AB in the 32 - had been sitting in a garage for 55 years up on blocks. Everything is bone stock 32 or early 30's - accept the 59AB.

Tom had me check the generator with a 6V negative lead to the armature wire (no fan or belt) - turned over just fine (clockwise). Then I went ahead and put a Fun Products true voltage regulator on it (looks exactly like an original cutout) - fired it up and the generator/charging system works just fine. Put out a max of about 18 amps (old 32 amp gauge works fine too!). The battery is new, so it only charged for a bit and then backed down.

Wanted to give a BIG THANKS to Tom Wesenberg - he took time to answer my dumb questions, eMail me back and forth as I asked more dumb questions and got me going.

Awesome work Tom! If you ever get to Columbus, OH - we need to have lunch, a few libations, etc.

Great job by a dedicated Ford Barner . . .

B&S

07-07-2014, 08:50 PM	#1
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,070	Early 3 brush generator/cutout help - Thanks Tom Wesenberg! The last time I worked on a 6V generator (or any volt generator) was about 40 years ago on my first 59AB flathead. I didn't screw around long, switched over to 12V negative ground and threw a 55 amp alternator on my 34 fourdoor. Well, I've come full circle - I'm building a 32 Cabriolet just about like they would have right before WWII, trying to run all the original stuff, simple, nothing fancy, nothing really modern. Has been a blast NOT trying to make things painted, shiny and perfect . . . just getting things running, fixing old systems along the way and marveling at the simple pleasure of working like guys did 70 years ago. Anyway, had no clue as to how to test/setup the 6V generator that was on the 59AB in the 32 - had been sitting in a garage for 55 years up on blocks. Everything is bone stock 32 or early 30's - accept the 59AB. Tom had me check the generator with a 6V negative lead to the armature wire (no fan or belt) - turned over just fine (clockwise). Then I went ahead and put a Fun Products true voltage regulator on it (looks exactly like an original cutout) - fired it up and the generator/charging system works just fine. Put out a max of about 18 amps (old 32 amp gauge works fine too!). The battery is new, so it only charged for a bit and then backed down. Wanted to give a BIG THANKS to Tom Wesenberg - he took time to answer my dumb questions, eMail me back and forth as I asked more dumb questions and got me going. Awesome work Tom! If you ever get to Columbus, OH - we need to have lunch, a few libations, etc. Great job by a dedicated Ford Barner . . . B&S