Alternator that looks like a generator. Is there such a thing.

[ndnchf]

Originally Posted by drolston

Is there any way to rework a '41 6v positive ground generator to put out 12v negative ground? With a proper regulator, of course. Or does anyone sell such a generator/regulator combination?

Change the field coils to the 12 volt type. That is the easy way. But from what I understand, it only gives about 70% of the current available if the armature was also rewound for 12 volts. To do a thorough job, both should be done. I have not done it myself, I keep them original.

[ndnchf]

Just FYI, these photos show the headlight coverage of both my cars with stock 6 volt generators and LED headlights.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I don't think anyone would argue that that an alternator is not a technological improvement over a generator. But for how most people drive these cars today, the question is - do you really need the technological improvement? Especially today with quality LED head and tail lights. The extra current available from an alternator may not be needed. For some it is, I have no problem with that - to each his own.

I rebuild original Ford generators just for fun, I know them pretty well. They are very high quality. When properly rebuilt and set up correctly, they will provide many years of trouble free service. This is an example of one I rebuilt recently.

[cmbrucew]

Originally Posted by drolston

Is there any way to rework a '41 6v positive ground generator to put out 12v negative ground? With a proper regulator, of course. Or does anyone sell such a generator/regulator combination?

You could buy a 1956 ford generator at napa or any auto supply store.


Bruce

[drolston]

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

You could buy a 1956 ford generator at napa or any auto supply store.


Bruce

I wonder if the front end plate would swap for mounting.

[cmbrucew]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I don't think they changed cases so it should interchange.


Bruce

[bcatcmc]

I have often been told I stuff about , tend to agree fabricating this sort of gear

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by aussie merc

power gen have got them selves a bad name over here due to their warranty attitude less and less outlets are handling them now [dont want to know about it and you did something wrong ]

I'm not sure if this is a new attitude on their part or one person's bad experience. About 5 years ago my powermaster stopped charging on my '47, I've had it on the car for at least ten years. I called and explained my issue, they had me mail it in, and they mailed it back to me repaired no charge. I know the paperwork says one year warranty but they never asked and I never told them, they just took care of it. I had to pay the postage to send it to them, which was fine with me.

[drolston]

I was thinking of trying to convert a '56 ford 12v generator but never got an answer to my question as to whether or not the end plates and pulley would bolt on. Does anybody know?

[ndnchf]

I think they will, but you'll need to drill/file the alignment notches in the body.

[drolston]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I think they will, but you'll need to drill/file the alignment notches in the body.

I will give that a try, but NAPA and everywhere I look are out of stock on '56 Ford generators. I am leery of the offerings on Ebay.



Is it true that 12v 30 amp generators (body) for FOMOCO cars and trucks are the same through 1964. and would work?



Does anyone know of a souce that has them in stock?

[ndnchf]

I have quite a few rebuilt Ford generators available, i ncludung this '55-'64 type 12v gen. Im out of town right now, but can provide more photos when I get home.

[GB SISSON]

Can you supply or suggest a voltage regulator that is as reliable as your rebuilt generators? It looks like you do a very thorough job of it. In the past I recall having more regulator trouble with the system than the generator itself. Also, for 8ba application is the generator a bolt on with no switching of front plate?

[drolston]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I have quite a few rebuilt Ford generators available, i ncludung this '55-'64 type 12v gen. Im out of town right now, but can provide more photos when I get home.

If I ship you a good 6v gen from my '41, could you do the end plate switch to one of your 12v genertors?
Could you supply a known good 12v regulator to go with it?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by bcatcmc

I have often been told I stuff about , tend to agree fabricating this sort of gear

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I have quite a few rebuilt Ford generators available, i ncludung this '55-'64 type 12v gen. Im out of town right now, but can provide more photos when I get home.

[ndnchf]

Sorry, but I do not have regulators. But most any quality 6 volt, 30-35 amp regulator should work. These are commonly used on vintage tractors also.

I normally just rebuild stock generators. I know others have built hybrids using 1955 and up 12 generator bodies with earlier flathead V8 parts. This is to get the 12v field coils. But this takes some extra work for the alignment and mount notches. Perhaps an easier alternative is to just install 12v field coils, then polarize for negative ground (assuming that is the configuration you plan to use.) The hardest part is removing and installing the pole shoe screws. I put together a rig for this using an arbor press. I have a video about this if anyone is interested. Changing to 12v fields works, but does not deliver the same max amperage as a true 12v generator. But is still sufficient for most uses.

I really believe for most applications, staying with the 6v positive ground system is the way to go. When properly done, the stock 6v system is just as reliable and starts just as well as a 12v system.


Steve

[drolston]

For reasons I thought reasonable at the time, I converted to 12v negative ground, and so it will stay. I will attempt the conversion to 12v generator using my good stock 6v unit and a '55 - 64 12v unit, if I could only find a rebuilt 12v unit. Everywhere I look, they are out of stock. Does anyone know of a non-Ebay source?





]

[3twinridges]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

Sorry, but I do not have regulators. But most any quality 6 volt, 30-35 amp regulator should work. These are commonly used on vintage tractors also.

I normally just rebuild stock generators. I know others have built hybrids using 1955 and up 12 generator bodies with earlier flathead V8 parts. This is to get the 12v field coils. But this takes some extra work for the alignment and mount notches. Perhaps an easier alternative is to just install 12v field coils, then polarize for negative ground (assuming that is the configuration you plan to use.) The hardest part is removing and installing the pole shoe screws. I put together a rig for this using an arbor press. I have a video about this if anyone is interested. Changing to 12v fields works, but does not deliver the same max amperage as a true 12v generator. But is still sufficient for most uses.

I really believe for most applications, staying with the 6v positive ground system is the way to go. When properly done, the stock 6v system is just as reliable and starts just as well as a 12v system.


Steve

Steve interested in that video you mention above!

JB

[ndnchf]

This is a summary of things I do when rebuilding a generator:

-Completely disassemble, clean and degrease.

-Armature tested on a growler for opens shorts and grounds. Commutator serviced (trued on a lathe and mica undercut as needed, then polished). Windings sealed with glyptal.

- Fields either replaced with new or stripped, re-wrapped abd re-wired and tested.

- Most parts media blasted and painted.

- Assembled with new sealed bearings, brushes, wirings, insulators, oilers and terminal hardware.

- For 3-brush generators, an original Ford cutout is refurbished and installed. This includes removing the spot welded cover, cleaning, The points are inspected, dressed, aligned and gapped to .020". The air gap is checked and adjusted as needed. Then points closure voltage is set to 6 5 - 6.8 volts. Its is reassembled, painted to resemble the original finish and completed with new terminal hardware and insulators.

The generator is run on my test bench for about 20 minutes to ensure proper operation. 3-brush generators are set to 4-6 amps at 1500 generator RPM.

To see more, check out my youtube 6 volt Ford generator playlist here. There are 2 videos about my pole shoe screw tool. The second video has more details.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...hNBv3_VPivpWzk


Steve