The Ford Barn

DougVieyra · 11-19-2013, 02:58 AM

The Powerhouse Generator on my late '28 Ford died. As I have a box full of the later style ('29-'32) generators, I just pulled the Powerhouse off and installed the later style generator. It has been running fine on the car for about twenty years now.
So, now, having finally caught up on some of life's pressing demands, I am now ready to revisit the generator 'issue' on my '28. I see that none of the parts houses offer rebuilt Powerhouse generators. I presume that there is a valid issue which does not allow for easy rebuilding, but I know that it can be done.

My question is : ( ignoring what is 'proper' and 'fine point' correct ) is the later generator a better generator ? Did Henry Ford replace the Powerhouse generator with a better generator ? From a reliability and maintenance stand point, is the later generator a better generator ?

If there are Ford Barners who rebuild Model A generators I would like to get their input about the pros and cons of each type.

I would like to get feed back from users who drive and have driven their cars for years with both types of generators - enough to get a good assessment of the two generators. Before I go through the hassle and trouble of repairing my old Powerhouse generator, I would like to know that it has enough superiority over the later generator to justify the hassle.

11-19-2013, 02:58 AM	#1
DougVieyra Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 1,733	PowerHouse vs. standard generator The Powerhouse Generator on my late '28 Ford died. As I have a box full of the later style ('29-'32) generators, I just pulled the Powerhouse off and installed the later style generator. It has been running fine on the car for about twenty years now. So, now, having finally caught up on some of life's pressing demands, I am now ready to revisit the generator 'issue' on my '28. I see that none of the parts houses offer rebuilt Powerhouse generators. I presume that there is a valid issue which does not allow for easy rebuilding, but I know that it can be done. My question is : ( ignoring what is 'proper' and 'fine point' correct ) is the later generator a better generator ? Did Henry Ford replace the Powerhouse generator with a better generator ? From a reliability and maintenance stand point, is the later generator a better generator ? If there are Ford Barners who rebuild Model A generators I would like to get their input about the pros and cons of each type. I would like to get feed back from users who drive and have driven their cars for years with both types of generators - enough to get a good assessment of the two generators. Before I go through the hassle and trouble of repairing my old Powerhouse generator, I would like to know that it has enough superiority over the later generator to justify the hassle.