The Ford Barn

waxhead · 01-30-2015, 09:11 PM

My pickup had already been converted to 12 volts when I purchased it, and has a GM alternator installed. I am keen to stick with a 12 volt alternator, but would like to install something that looks more period correct like the original generator.

I have read several threads on here, but didn't really find the answer I was after.

Has anyone installed a Powermaster alternator as per below (or something similar)?? If so, do you have any pictures of the installation??

http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...2091/overview/

Thanks in advance for any help or other suggestions on an alternator installation that doesn't look so out of place under the hood of my model A.

Mike V. Florida · 01-31-2015, 12:57 AM

How about a 12 volt generator? Converting a generator is hundreds less then the alt you mention. What accessories do you have in the car?

waxhead · 02-01-2015, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

How about a 12 volt generator? Converting a generator is hundreds less then the alt you mention. What accessories do you have in the car?

Mike I am not running any extra accessories.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and ideas. I will look into some of these options and hopefully find something that suits.

Thanks once again for all responses.

Mike V. Florida · 02-01-2015, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waxhead

Mike I am not running any extra accessories.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and ideas. I will look into some of these options and hopefully find something that suits.

Thanks once again for all responses.

Then a 12 volt generator will work fine, better with a regulator, saving you a bunch of money!

Patrick L. · 02-01-2015, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Then a 12 volt generator will work fine, better with a regulator, saving you a bunch of money!

I just thought the statement about converting or using a 12v generator might be confusing to some. It doesn't care.

hardtimes · 01-31-2015, 03:00 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hey Waxhead,
There is a guy just West of my location (Simi Valley), who makes an alternater inside your stock generator case (NOT cheap either). Therefor, you have the stock look and the regular mounting arrangement. I've spoken to him at the San Antonio Boys Home Swap Meet, that is held once a year. He does nice work and have heard nothing but good of his product. Problem was that he told me that he is only doing 6V at that time and had not geared up for 12V units yet...bummer, as that's what I wanted as mine, like you, is converted to 12V. The generator case is hogged out and a small alternator (Nippon, I think) is fitted. Maybe you can get something started over there for your buds, eh ? I would think that that one you point up will work fine. Only thing is the mounting !

Dollar Bill · 01-31-2015, 07:12 AM

Here's another source for an alternator that looks like the OEM generator:

http://gener-nator.com/big_genernator.htm

Mel Gross · 01-31-2015, 08:22 AM

Russ Evans is the person who lives in the San Fernando area that convert the original generator housing into an alternator. He can be reached at (805) 813-0480 or (805) 583-4221. Great person to deal with and very knowledgeable. Maybe he has figured out the 12 volt system by now.

hardtimes · 01-31-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel Gross

Russ Evans is the person who lives in the San Fernando area that convert the original generator housing into an alternator. He can be reached at (805) 813-0480 or (805) 583-4221. Great person to deal with and very knowledgeable. Maybe he has figured out the 12 volt system by now.

Hey Mel,
Thanks, as I could not locate Russ card. It is probably with ALL the other stuff...somewhere

!

pgerhardt · 01-31-2015, 08:37 AM

I contacted power master about their OEM looking alternators. Here is the response I got:
=========

Paul,
Unfortunately we do not have any information on this part online quite yet (as you already know) because it is so new. What we've built is a one wire alternator to fit in place of the factory generator. We can do this in a 6 volt, 60 amp, or a 12 volt, 90 amp. Our price is $350.

Thank you,
Brady Basner
Power master Performance

============
Give us a call at 630-957-4019 and either ask for myself, or J.R.

Thank you,
Brady

==========

Gunmetal blue2 · 01-31-2015, 09:10 AM

Thank you Dollar Bill

1931 flamingo · 01-31-2015, 10:54 AM

Ck out the ad in the new march hemmings for orig looking generators with alt inside for either 6 or 12 Volt (ad is on pg21).
powermasterperformance.com

Paul in CT

JohnLaVoy · 01-31-2015, 01:20 PM

We will have an installation report in the next Model A Times. We had the unit at Turlock to show to people. It was displayed at the recent SEMA show and we brought it home after the show to try out. This is not an alternator inside, it is a billet aluminum housing that is specifically made to be an alternator.

waxhead · 02-02-2015, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLaVoy

We will have an installation report in the next Model A Times. We had the unit at Turlock to show to people. It was displayed at the recent SEMA show and we brought it home after the show to try out. This is not an alternator inside, it is a billet aluminum housing that is specifically made to be an alternator.

John, which unit are you referring to that will be reported on in the next Model A Times?? Thanks

California Travieso · 01-31-2015, 02:20 PM

I bought my 6 volt alternator from Tom at E. J. Whitney Co. in Fullerton, CA for $450 plus the core. It looks stock.

The web site is www.ejwhitneyco.com

Randy Gross also sells an alternator kit.

David Serrano

Patrick L. · 01-31-2015, 03:23 PM

A generator doesn't care about volts, so, why not just install an original generator with one of Tom Wesenburg's voltage regulators ?

Drive Shaft Dave · 01-31-2015, 10:10 PM

X 2

Purdy Swoft · 02-01-2015, 12:16 AM

I'm running an original generator on 12 volts in my roadster with a Fun Projects voltage regulator. It is a simple easy set up but doesn't put out 60 amps like some alternators. It easily puts out 12 volts and required no mods to the generator and will handle 35 w halogen bulbs that fit original sockets. If you plan on running a bunch of high amp accessories this set up won't be for you .

Mike V. Florida · 02-01-2015, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

A generator doesn't care about volts, so, why not just install an original generator with one of Tom Wesenburg's voltage regulators ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

X 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I'm running an original generator on 12 volts in my roadster with a Fun Projects voltage regulator. It is a simple easy set up but doesn't put out 60 amps like some alternators. It easily puts out 12 volts and required no mods to the generator and will handle 35 w halogen bulbs that fit original sockets. If you plan on running a bunch of high amp accessories this set up won't be for you .

As Purdy says and I asked in my other post, depends on what else he is running if an original will work.

Purdy Swoft · 02-01-2015, 12:55 PM

No modifications are needed for an original model A generator to run 12 volts . I'm running mine 12 volt positive ground and no wires need to be changed. The original style wiring harnesses work perfectly The only thing needed is a twelve volt battery and either a ballast resister at the coil or replace the coil with a 3.0 OHM coil. An original cutout will work but you won't have voltage regulation . I run the can style voltage regulator from Fun projects that takes the place of the cut out. These regulators can be had in either positive or negative ground . The model A generator will charge whatever battery that it is connected to up to probably 40 volts. The original style 20 amp ammeter works great, You can use the 35 watt halogen bulbs that fit the original sockets or the original style 12 volt bulbs that most vendors sell. The model A generator won't put out enough amps to use the 60-55 watt quartz halogen bulbs unless you can locate a 60 amp armature for the generator. With this setup, you get all of the advantages of 12 volt without the higher amps of a 60 amp alternator. Lower amps are easier on the generator and wiring and runs cool. The starter spins just as fast as any 12 volt system and I didn't need to modify the starter. If you ever wanted to go back to 6 volts the biggest thing would be installing a 6 volt battery and either removing the ballast at the coil or if you had installed a 3.0 ohm coil you would need to reinstall the original style coil and bulbs . If you've got a good original generator, a 12 volt upgrade is one of the simplest conversions that I know of .

01-30-2015, 09:11 PM	#1
waxhead Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: West Australia Posts: 346	Alternator Generator conversion My pickup had already been converted to 12 volts when I purchased it, and has a GM alternator installed. I am keen to stick with a 12 volt alternator, but would like to install something that looks more period correct like the original generator. I have read several threads on here, but didn't really find the answer I was after. Has anyone installed a Powermaster alternator as per below (or something similar)?? If so, do you have any pictures of the installation?? http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...2091/overview/ Thanks in advance for any help or other suggestions on an alternator installation that doesn't look so out of place under the hood of my model A.

01-31-2015, 12:57 AM	#2
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Alternator Generator conversion How about a 12 volt generator? Converting a generator is hundreds less then the alt you mention. What accessories do you have in the car? __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

01-31-2015, 03:00 AM	#6
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,190	Re: Alternator Generator conversion Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hey Waxhead, There is a guy just West of my location (Simi Valley), who makes an alternater inside your stock generator case (NOT cheap either). Therefor, you have the stock look and the regular mounting arrangement. I've spoken to him at the San Antonio Boys Home Swap Meet, that is held once a year. He does nice work and have heard nothing but good of his product. Problem was that he told me that he is only doing 6V at that time and had not geared up for 12V units yet...bummer, as that's what I wanted as mine, like you, is converted to 12V. The generator case is hogged out and a small alternator (Nippon, I think) is fitted. Maybe you can get something started over there for your buds, eh ? I would think that that one you point up will work fine. Only thing is the mounting ! Last edited by hardtimes; 01-31-2015 at 03:01 AM. Reason: .......

01-31-2015, 07:12 AM	#7
Dollar Bill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Keystone Heights, FL Posts: 647	Re: Alternator Generator conversion Here's another source for an alternator that looks like the OEM generator: http://gener-nator.com/big_genernator.htm __________________ I Love Anything That Turns Money Into Noise

01-31-2015, 08:22 AM	#8
Mel Gross Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 926	Re: Alternator Generator conversion Russ Evans is the person who lives in the San Fernando area that convert the original generator housing into an alternator. He can be reached at (805) 813-0480 or (805) 583-4221. Great person to deal with and very knowledgeable. Maybe he has figured out the 12 volt system by now.

01-31-2015, 08:37 AM	#10
pgerhardt Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Danbury Ct Posts: 1,254	Re: Alternator Generator conversion I contacted power master about their OEM looking alternators. Here is the response I got: ========= Paul, Unfortunately we do not have any information on this part online quite yet (as you already know) because it is so new. What we've built is a one wire alternator to fit in place of the factory generator. We can do this in a 6 volt, 60 amp, or a 12 volt, 90 amp. Our price is $350. Thank you, Brady Basner Power master Performance ============ Give us a call at 630-957-4019 and either ask for myself, or J.R. Thank you, Brady ==========

01-31-2015, 09:10 AM	#11
Gunmetal blue2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Columbia, TN.38401 Posts: 422	Re: Alternator Generator conversion Thank you Dollar Bill

01-31-2015, 10:54 AM	#12
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,428	Re: Alternator Generator conversion Ck out the ad in the new march hemmings for orig looking generators with alt inside for either 6 or 12 Volt (ad is on pg21). powermasterperformance.com Paul in CT

01-31-2015, 01:20 PM	#13
JohnLaVoy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 779	Re: Alternator Generator conversion We will have an installation report in the next Model A Times. We had the unit at Turlock to show to people. It was displayed at the recent SEMA show and we brought it home after the show to try out. This is not an alternator inside, it is a billet aluminum housing that is specifically made to be an alternator.

01-31-2015, 02:20 PM	#15
California Travieso Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 993	Re: Alternator Generator conversion I bought my 6 volt alternator from Tom at E. J. Whitney Co. in Fullerton, CA for $450 plus the core. It looks stock. The web site is www.ejwhitneyco.com Randy Gross also sells an alternator kit. David Serrano

01-31-2015, 03:23 PM	#16
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Alternator Generator conversion A generator doesn't care about volts, so, why not just install an original generator with one of Tom Wesenburg's voltage regulators ?

01-31-2015, 10:10 PM	#17
Drive Shaft Dave Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New hope Minnesota Posts: 742	Re: Alternator Generator conversion X 2

02-01-2015, 12:16 AM	#18
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Alternator Generator conversion I'm running an original generator on 12 volts in my roadster with a Fun Projects voltage regulator. It is a simple easy set up but doesn't put out 60 amps like some alternators. It easily puts out 12 volts and required no mods to the generator and will handle 35 w halogen bulbs that fit original sockets. If you plan on running a bunch of high amp accessories this set up won't be for you .

02-01-2015, 12:55 PM	#20
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Alternator Generator conversion No modifications are needed for an original model A generator to run 12 volts . I'm running mine 12 volt positive ground and no wires need to be changed. The original style wiring harnesses work perfectly The only thing needed is a twelve volt battery and either a ballast resister at the coil or replace the coil with a 3.0 OHM coil. An original cutout will work but you won't have voltage regulation . I run the can style voltage regulator from Fun projects that takes the place of the cut out. These regulators can be had in either positive or negative ground . The model A generator will charge whatever battery that it is connected to up to probably 40 volts. The original style 20 amp ammeter works great, You can use the 35 watt halogen bulbs that fit the original sockets or the original style 12 volt bulbs that most vendors sell. The model A generator won't put out enough amps to use the 60-55 watt quartz halogen bulbs unless you can locate a 60 amp armature for the generator. With this setup, you get all of the advantages of 12 volt without the higher amps of a 60 amp alternator. Lower amps are easier on the generator and wiring and runs cool. The starter spins just as fast as any 12 volt system and I didn't need to modify the starter. If you ever wanted to go back to 6 volts the biggest thing would be installing a 6 volt battery and either removing the ballast at the coil or if you had installed a 3.0 ohm coil you would need to reinstall the original style coil and bulbs . If you've got a good original generator, a 12 volt upgrade is one of the simplest conversions that I know of .